Student Health Privacy an Issue

The recent privacy breach at UCLA Medical Center, in which an administrative assistant improperly accessed more than 60 medical records, caused major embarrassment for the institution and could lead to sanctions by the California Department of Public Health.

The records of California First Lady Maria Shriver and actress Farrah Fawcett were among the ones that were viewed. Ex-Charlie's Angel Fawcett's cancer diagnosis was leaked to the media before she could inform her own family.

Many Californians may now be questioning the privacy of their own records, but Valley College students who use the Student Health Center can be assured that their records are kept confidential.

"Patients are provided copies of 'Patient's Rights,' which outlines their confidentiality in our health facility," said Sonia Nodal, physician assistant at the health center. "They are also advised of and provided a copy of "HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices," which also discloses our commitment of protecting their medical records."

Both of these information sheets are available to students at all times and Nodal says that when a clinic or hospital gives out the Notice of Privacy Practices, it is an indication that they are reputable and trustworthy.

"There is no risk of a security breach at Valley because only Student Health Center staff have access to our files," she said.

Student Freddie Cortez was waiting in the Health Center lobby and said the UCLA breach did not make him worry about his privacy.

"I think my information is safe…I trust [the health center staff] with my information and I know its going to be kept private."

While students are not so concerned about their private records, it is the openness around the health center and its waiting area that is on their minds.

"I don't like that your name and student ID number are sitting there on the [lobby] counter for everyone to see," said Josh Logan Wible, a film major. "[Students] may not know what you are there for, but they know you are there for something."

Wible also voiced concern about peers being able to listen in when students are making appointments or describing their ailments to staff, a concern shared by fellow student DeAngelo Hicks.

"When you're at the window and its something serious or embarrassing, people are around and it's not discreet," said Hicks, who has used the health center approximately three times.

Yasmin Delahoussaye, vice president of student services said that concerns about the location of the health center lobby will soon be a thing of the past, when the health center is relocated. As part of the college master plan, the health center will move into the current Associated Student Union offices when the ASU shifts into the new Student Services Building, which starts construction this year.

"The Health Center moving into the Campus Center will give students the degree of privacy they deserve," said Delahoussaye.