Privacy Policy for Management of Personal Information
This document describes the privacy policy of Melissa Ty, Psychologist, 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 electronic document management system which is accessible only by Melissa Ty. 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.
How your personal information is collected
Your personal information is collected in a number of ways during consultation with your psychologist, including when you provide information directly using hardcopy forms, correspondence via email, when you interact directly with your psychologist, and when other health practitioners provide personal information to your psychologist, via referrals, correspondence and medical reports.
Consequence of not providing personal information
If you do not wish for your personal information to be collected in a way anticipated by this Privacy Policy, your psychologist may not be in a position to provide the psychological service to you. In some circumstances, you may request to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym, unless it is impracticable for your psychologist to work with you or if the psychologist is required or authorised by law to deal with identified individuals.
Purpose of holding personal information
Your personal information is gathered and used for the purpose of providing psychological services, which includes assessing, diagnosing and treating a presenting issue. The personal information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions, and enables your psychologist to provide a relevant and informed psychological service.
Disclosure of personal information
Your personal information will remain confidential except when:
1. It is subpoenaed by a court, or disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law; or
2. Failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of your psychologist would place you or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety; or
3. Your prior approval has been obtained to:
a) provide a written report to another professional or agency, e.g., a GP or a lawyer; or
b) discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer or health provider; or
c) disclose the information in another way; or
d) disclose to another professional or agency (e.g. your GP) and disclosure of your personal information to that third party is for a purpose which is directly related to the primary purpose for which your personal information was collected.
Your psychologist may choose to discuss aspects of your situation and treatment with other psychologists to ensure that the service they provide is safe, ethical and competent. In order to uphold your confidentiality, no identifying information will be disclosed during these discussions.
Your personal information is not disclosed to overseas recipients, unless you consent or such disclosure is otherwise required by law. Your personal information will not be used, sold, rented or disclosed for any other purpose.
In the event that unauthorised access, disclosure or loss of your personal information occurs, your psychologist will activate data breach action procedures and use all reasonable endeavours to minimise any risk of consequential serious harm.
Requests for access and correction to client information
At any stage you may request to see and correct your personal information kept on file. Your psychologist may discuss the contents with you and/or give you 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 for access to or correction of personal information held about you should be lodged with Melissa Ty in writing. These requests will be responded to in writing within 20 days and an appointment will be made if necessary for clarification purposes.
Concerns
If you have a concern about the management of your personal information, you may inform Melissa Ty. Upon request you can obtain a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describe your rights and how your personal information should be handled. Ultimately, if you wish to lodge a formal complaint about the use of, disclosure of, or access to, your personal information, you may do so with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner by phone on 1300 363 992, online at http://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/making-a-privacy-complaint or by post to: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, GPO Box 5218, Sydney, NSW 2001.