Privacy

Privacy Policy
This practice is committed to complying with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles 2014 and the privacy provisions of all applicable legislation.

This privacy policy covers all personal information we hold, that is, information, or an opinion about an individual, whose identity is apparent, or can be reasonably ascertained, from that information or opinion. This includes information we have collected from people through our office, over the phone and over the internet. We will advise individuals on the purpose for which their personal information is collected.

Our practice takes great care to ensure that our records are accurate, complete and up to date and are treated with full regard to the privacy of our patients.

When we collect personal information from an individual, we will ensure that we do so in a fair manner. Our privacy policy is available to all patients upon request. However, our practice may occasionally need to deny access to information in accordance with the exemptions contained in the Act.

We collect only the information from our patients that is necessary for good health care. If we collect sensitive information (as defined under the Act), we will treat it with the utmost security and confidentiality. We will ensure that it is not collected for any purposes, other than those for which we have obtained the individual's consent, unless the law requires otherwise, or other exceptional circumstances prevail as described under the Act.

Where an individual chooses not to provide requested information, we will advise that individual of what consequences this non-disclosure may have. For example, withholding certain information may limit our ability to provide relevant services to individuals.

Our goal is to protect the personal information collected by our practice and its associations. No information is disclosed without the patient's consent, either in Australia or overseas. The security of the patient's record is paramount. Information will be managed confidentially and securely and destroyed appropriately when no longer required.

This practice has systems in place to protect the security of our health records and we will monitor and implement appropriate technical advances or management processes, to safeguard personal information. No unauthorised person has access to them.

We will only disclose personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act.

This means that personal information may be disclosed:
- For the purposes for which we have advised that we are collecting it, and for related purposes that the individual would reasonably expect.
- Where we have the consent of the individual to do so.
- As required by law.
- Under other circumstances where permitted under the Act.
In the course of our business activities, we may need to disclose some of your personal information to relevant staff.

Occasionally, we may use data from this practice for research, quality assurance and clinical audit activities to improve our treatment services or post-graduate training. However, it will not include any information that identifies our patients.

As our practice is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals, we will view unauthorized disclosure of, or access to, personal information by our employees or contracts, as a serious breach of this policy. Appropriate action (which may include disciplinary or legal action) will be taken in such cases.

This policy will be reviewed from time to time and any amendments will be incorporated into the updated policy.

Privacy related inquiries or concerns can be directed to our practice. If you would like to discuss any aspect of our privacy policy, please advise your treating therapist.

Edited June 2014