Confidentiality & Medical Excuses
Confidentiality
Student Health Services is dedicated to providing quality care in a private and confidential setting. HIPAA is a federal law that carefully protects private health information. Both HIPAA and the ethics of the physician/patient relationship guard each student’s privacy. No private health information can be given to Deans, professors, parents, significant others, friends, or other health providers without the explicit written consent of the student.
Please download the Authorization for Release of Health Information form that must be completed for Student Health to discuss your health history with any other person. Please download the Authorization for Release of Health Information To Xavier University form to request medical information be sent to our clinic (e.g., old records, immunization records). The patient also has the right to revoke communication at any time. To do so, please download the Revocation of Authorization form. After filling out any of these forms, they should be brought to the SHC so they can become part of your record.
HIPAA does have a clause that allows for notification of next of kin in cases of emergency or life-threatening situations.
Medical Excuse Policy
Student Health Services does not provide excuses for everyday illnesses (such as colds) that may lead to missed classes or incomplete assignments. Xavier University expects that students are honest with their professors regarding their ability to complete work, and professors are expected to work with students on these issues.
The student’s right to privacy is one important issue that guides this policy. In addition, since there is great variability in each student’s response to minor illnesses, Student Health Services cannot always predict which students will miss assignments or classes in response to these illnesses. Honest communication between a professor and a student can better address these situations on a case-by-case basis.
In cases of more serious illness or injury, especially those that would require prolonged bed rest or hospitalization of three days or more, Student Health Services (with the student’s permission) will notify the student’s academic dean of the student’s illness so that the professors can be formally informed of the situation.
Contact Us
Office of Student Health Services
St. Joseph Academic & Health Resource Center
Building #13, Room 217
Office: 504-520-7396
Fax: 504-520-7962
Mailing Address
1 Drexel Drive
P.O. Box 36
New Orleans, LA 70125
Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Closed for Lunch