Confidentiality
Federal confidentiality laws protect visits and conversations with medical staff. Health Services must maintain medical record and medical information as private, as dictated in the Notice of Privacy Practices posted in the lobby and handed to each patient at their first point-of-care visit. Health Services does not disclose information to parents or families unless explicitly authorized by the patient or in cases of emergency.
Prescriptions
While Health Services has staff who are authorized to write prescriptions, the university does not have a pharmacy. CVS and Walgreens are within walking distance of the campus. Students may visit Health Services on a walk-in basis or by making an appointment. All students who wish to be seen will be asked to provide or update their patient history so that we may provide the best care possible.
ADHD Medication
Health Services does not prescribe medication for ADHD. The student must make arrangements with his or her primary care provider for ongoing prescriptions during the academic year.
Allergy Medication
Due to the potential of anaphylaxis, Health Services does not administer allergy shots. First-year students in need of frequent off-campus visits with an allergist may petition to have a car on campus by completing the Freshman Resident Parking Exemption Form, available in the Parking or Health Services offices.
Emergencies and Transportation
In the event of an emergency, call 911 from a Bridgewater State University phone to reach university police. Calling 911 from a cell phone connects to the Massachusetts State Police in Framingham. University police will respond to on-campus 911 calls. When necessary, university police will arrange for ambulance transportation to the Brockton Hospital Emergency Room.
Students are encouraged discuss transport with family and friends.
For non-emergency health concerns nights, weekends and holidays, call university police at 508.531.1212. University police will respond to assess the situation. If it is not an emergency but the student requires timely treatment, university police will call the local taxi service to transport the student to a local clinic, physician, or the emergency room. Health Services will pay for transportation to and from the facility.
During weekdays, call Health Services at 508.531.1252. Taxi transportation for student illness must be determined by Health Services and/or university police. Transportation will only be provided in the absence of transportation alternatives by family and/or friends. Bridgewater State University does not provide transportation for student-scheduled physician appointments.
Health Insurance
All registered students taking nine or more undergraduate credits or seven or more graduate credits must provide proof of enrollment in a medical insurance plan that meets the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ mandated guidelines (laws) or be automatically enrolled in a college-sponsored plan.
Bridgewater’s student health insurance is provided by University Health Plans and is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Elect Preferred (PPO). The plan provides coverage for illnesses and injuries that occur on and off campus and includes special cost-saving features to keep the coverage as affordable as possible.
For premium pricing, please see the link below. The policy is in effect from Aug. 1 until July 31 each year. Students who have comprehensive health insurance can remove this fee from their bills by electronically waiving the insurance (see the description below) by the deadline of Sept. 30 (for each fall semester) and by Feb. 28 (for those who not enrolled in the fall). The waiver must be submitted each year. See the requirements for international students.
To access the Bridgewater State University Sponsored Student Health Insurance or submit the waiver (proof of enrollment in one's own or one's parents' policy for the academic year), visit the University Health Plans website. Students who enroll in the school sponsored plan must confirm payment with Student Accounts.
Immunization
All full-time undergraduate and graduate students under 30 years of age and all full- and part-time health science students must submit evidence of:
- one dose of tetanus diphtheria vaccine (Tdap) within past 10 years and history of a DTaP primary series or age appropriate catch up vaccination
- three doses of hepatitis B vaccine*
- two doses of MMR vaccine (if born in 1957 or later)*
- two doses of Varicella or a reliable history of chickenpox*
one tuberculosis skin test within six months prior to the start of class for all students who answer yes to a question on the Health and Wellness TB Screening and Testing Form. TB risk is higher for people who live in or travel to countries that have high rates of tuberculosis, for example, but not limited to:
- Belize
- Brazil
- Cambodia
- Cape Verdi
- China
- Colombia
- Dominican Rep
- El Salvador
- Ghana
- Guatemala
- Haiti Honduras
- Hong Kong
- India
- Mexico
- Nepal
- Nicaragua
- Parts of the former Soviet Union
- Portugal
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Sudan
- The islands of Southeast Asia
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- one dose of Meningococcal vaccine MenACWY (formerly MCV4) required for all full-time students 21 years of age or younger
Students must present a certificate of meningitis immunization or a signed MDPH Meningococcal Information and Waiver Form declining meningococcal immunization at this time. A student (or the student's parent or guardian, if the student is a minor), may opt to sign a waiver which details that the student has received and reviewed information about the risks and dangers of meningococcal disease, has elected to decline the vaccine. The waiver must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the beginning of classes. Residential students, who have not submitted meningitis status, will be denied their room key. Bridgewater recommends meningitis immunization for all students (even though all students are not required by law to receive it). All full-time students (including full-time graduate students) must submit a completed student health history and immunization report form to Health Services. Massachusetts immunization laws apply to full-time students of all ages. Immunization requirements apply as well to international students attending or visiting classes as part of our academic exchange program.
*or laboratory evidence of immunity
