Privacy Policy for Management of Personal Information
This document describes the privacy policy of Living Well Psychology & Support for the management of clients’ personal information. The psychological service provided is bound by the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Client Information
Client files are held in a secure filing cabinet and secure electronic database which is accessible only to authorised employees. The information on each file includes personal information such as name, address, contact phone numbers, medical history, and other personal information collected as part of providing the psychological service.
Collecting of Personal Information
A client’s personal information is collected in a number of ways during psychological consultation with their psychologist including when the client provides information directly to Living Well Psychology & Support using hardcopy forms, electronic forms, correspondence via email, when the client interacts directly with Living Well Psychology & Support employees such as the receptionist, and when other health practitioners provide personal information to us, via referrals, correspondence and medical reports.
Digital & Telehealth Services
The laws that protect the privacy of a clients’ personal information also apply to digital and telehealth services. Living Well Psychology & Support provide these services via a secure platform within our Practice Management Software Power Diary, which meet HIPAA security requirements. Power Diary’s functionality uses WebRTC technology with a peer-to-peer connection and is encrypted end-to-end for your security, privacy and peace of mind. Neither Living Well Psychology & Support nor Power Diary record any tele health sessions and advise that clients cannot record their consultations with their clinician. Further information on patient privacy and security can be access by visiting Power Diary
Anonymity
If the client does not wish for their personal information to be collected in a way anticipated by this Privacy Policy, Living Well Psychology & Support may not be able to provide the psychological service to the client. Clients may request to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym unless it is impracticable for Living Well Psychology & Support to deal with the client or if we are required or authorised by law to deal with identified individuals. In most cases it will not be possible for the client to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym, however if Living Well Psychology & Support agrees to the client being anonymous or using a pseudonym, the client must pay consultation fees at the time of the appointment.
Purpose of Holding Personal Information
A client’s personal information is gathered and used for the purpose of providing psychological services, which includes assessing, diagnosing, and treating a client’s presenting issue. The personal information is retained to document what happens during sessions and enables the psychologist to provide a relevant and informed psychological service. Any personal notes my clinician takes during consultations is for personal and therapeutic use only and will not be released to any third party unless otherwise required by law. If clients would like to take notes during their consultation with their clinician, they are welcome to do so.
Disclosure of Personal Information
Clients’ personal information will not be disclosed except when:
- It is subpoenaed by a court; or
- Failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of Living Well Psychology & Support place a client or another person at serious risk to life, health, or safety; or
- The client’s prior approval has been obtained to:
- provide a written report to another professional or agency, e.g., a GP or a lawyer; or
- discuss the material with another person, e.g., a parent, employer, or health provider; or
- disclose the information in another way; or
- Disclosure is otherwise required by law.
A client’s personal information is not disclosed to overseas recipients unless the client consents or such disclosure is otherwise required by law. Clients’ personal information will not be used, sold, rented, or disclosed for any other purpose.
Requests for Access
At any stage clients may request to see and correct the personal information about them kept on file. The psychologist may discuss the contents with them and/or give them a copy, subject to the exceptions in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). If satisfied that personal information is inaccurate, out of date or incomplete, reasonable steps will be taken in the circumstances to ensure that this information is corrected. All requests by clients for access to or correction of personal information held about them should be lodged with the Practice Manager. These requests will be responded to in writing within 30 days, and an appointment will be made if necessary, for clarification purposes.
Concerns
If clients have a concern about the management of their personal information, they may inform the Practice Manager. For more information about how your privacy relates to the law you can review the Australian Privacy Principles, and the APS Charter for Clients which describe their rights and how their personal information should be handled.
Living Well Psychology & Support acknowledges Australia’s First Peoples as the traditional custodians of this land and celebrate their enduring connections to the land, sea, community and stories. We pay our respects to Elders and Ancestors of Yugambeh and Bundjalung Country on which we live and work.