Confidentiality & HIPAA

The Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), is the first comprehensive federal protection guideline for the privacy of health information. The rule gives individuals greater access to their medical records and assurance of increased protection of their personal health information.

Medical records are maintained by Arnold Health Service and must remain in the Health Service. Medical information is not released by any member of the Health Service Staff, either to parents, legal guardians, faculty, university administration or any other entity without written consent, except in a life threatening situation. Consistent care is exercised to ensure that confidentiality is maintained. The Health Service student workers have limited access to confidential personal records and are taught in depth on matters of confidentiality.

Athletic Injury

Intercollegiate athletes with an athletic injury should contact Health Service staff or the University Team Trainer for appropriate medical referral and for assistance regarding the University insurance plan. Students employed by the University, who have a work related illness or injury, are encouraged to contact the Health Service for immediate care and assistance with insurance issues.

Absence and Medical Leave

When a student is ill or injured, treatment is available at Arnold Health Service Monday through Friday during our regular office hours. Health Service does not provide excuses for absences from classes or exams. Students are urged to contact their professors in regards to their absence. If a student is ill at home, hospitalized or expects to be absent for an extended period of time, please notify the Dean of Students Office.

Illinois Public Health regulations mandate that individuals with communicable diseases not reside in group living environments; therefore, students diagnosed with diseases such as, but not limited to, measles, mumps, and chicken pox, will be required to recuperate at their home off campus. A physician letter of release, with appropriate limitations and restrictions must be received in the Health Service prior to the student's return to campus. The letter must state that the individual is able to return to campus without risk to themselves or to others.

Health Examination Requirements

Physical examinations are required no more than 6 months before entering the University for the first time, after an absence of more than 12 months or at the time of return to campus following a medical leave of absence. This examination must be completed by a health care provider and include immunization certification. The proper forms are available as a printable Entrance History & Physical Form at http://www2.iwu.edu:82/health/History_Physical2.pdf.

Immunizations

It is mandatory for incoming new students born on or after January 1, 1957 to document immunity to tetanus and diphtheria, measles, mumps, and rubella prior to enrollment.

All dates must include month, day and year.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) - 2 dates
First dose on or after first birthday; second dose one month or more after the first dose

Tetanus, Diphtheria (Td) - 1 date
Within the past 10 years

In addition, the American College Health Association recommends the following:

Hepatitis B
Series of 3 doses given at 0, 1-2 months, and 6-12 months prior to college entry

Meningococal quadrivalent polysaccharide vaccine
Given after 2 years of age, repeat every 3-5 years

Varicella
Given in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood to those without history of the disease or with a negative antibody titer. Two doses at least one month apart, if over age 13 years or one adult dose after age 18.

School of Nursing Required Immunizations and Laboratory Tests

Hepatitis B Immunization - Series of three doses of vaccine - immunizations over 6-12 months

Laboratory Tests

    * Varicella Titer - Laboratory evidence of immunity to Chickenpox
    * Rubella Titer - Laboratory evidence of immunity to Rubella

International Students Must provide the following immunization history

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) - 2 dates
First dose on or after the first birthday; second dose one month or more after the first dose.

Tetanus, diptheria (Td) - 3 dates
The last dose being within the past 10 years