department of athletics policies & procedures - UNC Wilmington ...

Student-athletes may seek a medical referral to any healthcare professional on
one’s own; however, ALL costs incurred as a result of a self-referral without
pre-approval from the Department of Athletic Training are the sole
responsibility and financial bearing of the student-athlete.
Surgical Procedures and Treatment Policy
POLICY STATEMENT: The University of North Carolina Wilmington will assume
financial responsibility for a student-athlete injury and/or illness provided the studentathlete
follows appropriate procedures and arrangements for care established by the
Athletic Training Department, the Athletics Department, and the University. Any
student-athlete reserves the right to seek medical attention from whomever he or she
chooses. However, such care provided by a health care professional non-affiliated with
UNCW without prior approval being granted by the Director of Athletic Training and/or
Team Physician holds accountable the student-athlete for any and all claims and charges
therein obtained as a result of said visit. Prior approval should be established by
communicating with the Director of Athletic Training before the visit occurs.
SECTION VI
MEDICAL RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION
Confidentiality of Medical Records/ HIPAA Compliance
PURPOSE: To insure that the Department of Athletic Training values and respects the
confidentiality of student-athlete medical records and maintains compliance with the
HIPAA federal regulations.
POLICY STATEMENT: Confidentiality of the student athlete's medical records must
be maintained, as these are considered legal documents. Records are not permitted to
leave the Department of Athletic Training. Any questions or concerns from the press,
professional scouts, or others must be directed to the staff athletic trainer assigned to that
sport. If medical records are needed for a case study then the athletic trainer must fill out
a Student Athlete Medical Records Release Form and have it approved by both the
athlete and the Director of Athletic Training prior to using any information obtained from
such records. This form provides the athletic trainer access to the medical records of only
the athlete noted on the form. The records still may not be taken out of the facility or
photocopied under any circumstances. Anyone associated with access to documents that
are the property of the Department of Athletic Training will fully comply will all
regulations set forth by the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act
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