Volunteering and "Shadowing"/Observing Patient Care at UF
Any person invited or otherwise authorized to enter University of Florida patient care areas or to view patient care in any location, who is not formally associated with the University's Health Science Centers shall be accompanied and/or supervised by a University Health Science Center representative at all times. The UF representative is responsible for the actions of the visitor.
EXEMPTIONS: The following individuals are exempt from completing Volunteer and Observer Packets: College of Medicine (in session) Medical Students, Students enrolled in MEL4012 (Physician Shadowing) and Approved Courtesy appointments.
Please read the Policy and Procedure for Volunteering and "Shadowing" at UF.
Visitors requesting to Shadow/Observe Patient Care
(21 days or less):For "Shadowing": The University does not provide any sponsor-matching services for students or other persons wishing to shadow a health care professional. All arrangements for sponsorship must be made by the applicant. Observers may not stay longer than 21 days.
Sponsors should use the Request to Observe Patient Care form to apply for approval. Groups should also use the Group Roster form to simplify the process. Follow the instructions on the form and in the procedure above.
Visitors must complete HIPAA at UF - Privacy & Security for Visitors & Vendors and sign UF's Confidentiality Statement prior to visiting. Other requirements may also apply; be sure to check with the sponsoring department. (Note: "Signing" includes registering the visitor's information in the Privacy Office database. Actual signatures are not required by the Privacy Office.)
Request to Observe Patient Care (Print & complete)
Request to Observe Patient Care (Complete online)
Group Observation Roster (Print & complete)
Group Observation Roster (Complete Online)
Volunteers requesting to Observe Patient Care or Access Restricted Information (in addition to volunteer duties and staying more than 21 days):
Volunteers must complete either HIPAA & Privacy - General Awareness or HIPAA for Researchers (if they will be involved in research activities) and sign UF's Confidentiality Statement prior to visiting. (Note: "Signing" includes registering the volunteer's information in the Privacy Office database. Actual signatures are not required by the Privacy Office.)
Other requirements may also apply; be sure to check with the sponsoring department.Volunteer Form (Print & complete)
Volunteer Form (Complete online)
If you have questions or concerns about the procedures, please call or email the Privacy Office (privacy@ufl.edu or 352-273-5096)
If you have questions about a particular volunteer or "shadowing" opportunity, please call the Admissions Office of the college in which you would like to observe. (Click on Health Science Center > Colleges in the menu.)
For specific questions about the College of Medicine Volunteer program, click here.
