The UTEP Student Health Center adheres to the Federal guidelines described in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 which was implemented April of 2004.
 
All medical records are kept under double lock and information in our office software program is password protected. The Student Health Center also owns the server in which the office software program is located and is monitored frequently. ALL of the Student Health Center staff has been trained re: security, safety and integrity of the personal information gathered by the Student Health Center. Some of the personal information requested by Student Health Center staff includes: birthdates, social security numbers and addresses.

HIPAA regulations state that patients may request their medical records after signing a release. No private/personal information is to be provided over the phone or through email if not sent through a secure server or website. Information is not released to ANY third-party without consent of the patient (if over 18yrs of age). If the patient is under 18yrs of age a parent/guardian must sign for release of information. For example, if a patient of the Student Health Center wants his/her lab work to be sent to their physician that patient must come in and sign a release of information form thus allowing the Student Health Center permission to release the results to the person/facility indicated.