WELCOME TO THE MCLA STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES WEBPAGE

Location: Student Health Services is part of the Division of Student Affairs. We are located on the first floor of the Hoosac Bank Wellness Center

Hours of Operation: Monday,Wednesday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm and Tuesday 10:00am6:00pm. Closed: June 15 through August 15.

Phone: (413) 662-5421

Fax: (413) 662-5572

Medical Staff:

• Thomas P. Hyde, MD, College Physician
• Jody Tierney, NP, Director of Health Services
• Irene J. Miller, RN, BSN, Staff Nurse
• Sandra Mirante, LPN, Medical Assistant

The Office of Student Health Services, located on the first floor of the Hoosac Bank Student Wellness Center, provides health care for students. The Health Services staff functions as a team and includes a nurse practitioner, a registered nurse and a physician. Hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8:00am. to 4:00 p.m. and Tuesday 10:00am to 6:00pm, when fall and spring semester classes are in session. The physician is available for consultation between 1:00pm and 2:00pm Monday through Thursday. Gynecological assessment is available through the Office of Health Services. Necessary referrals to off campus specialists can be arranged through the office.

Emergency Room and in-patient services are available at North Adams Regional Hospital, which is approximately a 5-minute drive from the campus. In case of a life threatening emergency or if you become ill after Health Services hours, call 5101 and the Campus Police will assist you in getting medical attention. Students should have a copy of their health insurance card with them to facilitate lab work, off campus health care and the purchase of prescription medication.

HEALTH INSURANCE

A health insurance policy providing basic health care coverage is required in order to attend MCLA. Coverage under an existing plan must meet guidelines mandated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (M.G.L.c15As18). MCLA sponsors a Student Health Insurance plan through Chickering Insurance. The Bursar's office will automatically bill for this insurance, unless a waiver (proof of comparable policy) is completed.

REQUIRED HEALTH INFORMATION

The Code of Massachusetts Regulations requires that all full time (those taking 9 credits or more) undergraduate and graduate students provide documentation of the following immunizations:

• 1 dose of tetanus and diphtheria (TD) vaccine within the last 10 years
• 2 doses of live measles vaccine given at least one month apart at or after 12 months of age (2MMRs are acceptable)
• 1 dose of mumps and rubella vaccine(s) given at or after 12 months of age (2 MMRs are acceptable)
• 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine
• 1 dose of meningococcal vaccine within the past 5 years for any new resident student.

Exemption from measles, mumps rubella and Hepatitis B vaccination is made for students presenting laboratory evidence of immunity (titers). Meningococcal vaccine is required of all new students (including graduate students) regardless of whether they are full or part-time. A waiver is available for meningococcal vaccine only. This waiver states that the student has reviewed the dangers of meningococcal disease and the risks and benefits of vaccine and chooses to decline the vaccination. Exemption from required vaccines is also accepted for students providing written documentation that he or she meets the standards for medical or religious exemption set forth in M.G.L. ch 76 s15C. International students may be subject to additional requirements.

All students, regardless of age, enrolled in a course load of 9 credits or more are required to submit a completed health form to the Health Services Office prior to attending any classes. All students are required to submit either documentation of meningococcal vaccine or a waiver form declining the vaccine before attending any classes.

SERVICES AVAILABLE

Students are allowed unlimited visits with a Health Services provider. Most visits are on a walk-in basis and there is no charge for services provided in the Wellness Center (with the current exception of Meningococcal Vaccine). Any patient referrals, Xrays, or other testing sent to a reference lab will be bill to your Health Insurance. MCLA faculty and staff who become ill or are injured on the job are also welcome to visit Health Services. The Health Services staff works as an adjunct to, not a replacement for your primary care provider.

Services provided include:

• Acute care of minor illness or injury
• Physical Assessment
• Women's Health Care including Gynecologic Exams, Emergency Contraception, and Birth Control Counseling
• Prescriptions and selected over the counter medications
• Select Immunizations
• Laboratory Testing
• STI Assessment and Testing
• Sports and Work Physicals
• Travel Clinic
• Wellness Programming
• Health Education
• Referral Assistance

PATIENT RIGHTS

• The right to be treated with respect, consideration and dignity.
• The right to accurate information concerning the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of an illness.
• The right to a second opinion.
• The right to refuse treatment, except as prohibited by law.
• The right to know who is caring for or treating you. The practitioner's name and professional qualifications should be visible or stated on introduction.
• The right to privacy and confidentiality of your records.
• The right to review any medical records created by the MCLA Health Services regarding your care.

PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• The responsibility to provide accurate and complete information about your present complaint, past medical history, and current medication use.
• The responsibility to ask questions and discuss concerns with the provider concerning your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of your illness or any instructions given.
• The responsibility to allow enough time for examination and explanation by the provider (minimally 15 minutes.)
• The responsibility to comply with Commonwealth of Massachusetts Law that requires you to maintain a health insurance policy that provides basic health care coverage.
• The responsibility to provide insurance information when necessary.
• The responsibility for any laboratory or outside health agency charges billed to you.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS EDUCATION

Student Health Services and the Wellness Center is a resource for health and wellness information and programming. Events addressing a variety of topics are presented throughout the academic year. Look for them in the weekly issue of Whats Happening and posted on boards around campus. The waiting area of Health Services is equipped with computer access to reliable web sites for accurate health and wellness related information. A lending library of literature, books and videos/DVDs can also be found there.

Health Services staff is available to assist with research for both academic and personal health issues. RA's, Greeks, and club members are also encouraged to consult with staff for programming needs. Programs can be designed for a targeted audience.

TRAVEL CLINIC

MCLA Student Health Services offers students, faculty and staff who are planning a trip a personalized travel health packet to minimize your risk of becomming ill or getting injured in a foreign country.

Travel packets include a detailed traveler's report tailored to your itinerary, providing background information on

• geography and climate
• health risks specific by country
• entry and exit requirements
• general health advice
• travel advisories on social and political environment
• embassy information
• pre-travel counseling
• selected immunizations
• prescribed medication to help prevent illness
• recommendations for traveler's first aid kit
• post travel care as needed.

To receive your individualized travel health packet have your travel itinerary available, plan well in advance of your trip (some immunizations require a series of injections). If a group is traveling together, a group appointment can be arranged. Call or visit the Health Services Office at ext. 5421.

MEDICAL CLASS EXCUSES

Health Services does not provide medical excuses for missed classes. According to the policy of Academic Support Services and this office, it is the responsibility of the student to communicate with the instructor when he/she is unable to attend class, complete an assignment or fulfill another obligation due to illness or injury. If you are too ill to attend class, it is your responsibility to notify your professor by phone or e-mail. Both Federal and Massachusetts State Law prevent release of information regarding a student's health status or medical condition or even confirmation of a visit to Health Services without written consent fromt he student.

In the case that Health Services requests that a student stay out of class for a prolonged period of time due to contagion, Health Services will contact Advising Services who will then send notice to faculty.

CONFIDENTIALITY

MCLA maintains the personal health care information of our students in a confidential manner. Your confidence in us depends on it. As part of this commitment, MCLA complies with applicable laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Under HIPAA, the Federal Government has mandated standards for protecting personal health information. We are pleased to provide you with a complete description of our responsibilities and your rights regarding security and privacy of your personal health information under HIPAA. Simply stop by the Hoosac Bank Student Wellness Center to read posted copies or pick up a personal copy. Any questions or concerns about HIPAA should be directed to staff in the Health Services Office.

Copies of your record may be forwarded, with your written consent, to yourself, physicians, hospitals and other appropriate places. Records are not shared with parents, faculty, college administrators, or employers. Should a parent request information, they will be advised to contact you unless a record release form has been signed. Only in life threatening emergencies will a parent be contacted by MCLA Health Services.