Privacy Statement
This document describes the privacy policy of Connectedness Psychology Proprietary Limited (Trading as Connectedness Psychology and Coaching) for the management of clients’ personal information. Psychological support services as provided by employees, independent clinicians and contractors of Connectedness Psychology and Counselling are bound by the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Client information
We aim to operate on a “paperless” basis where possible. As a result, we prefer to send all correspondence by email and to retain all our file records in electronic form.
Client information is held in a secure storage cabinet prior to being uploaded onto the practice management software system which is accessible only to authorised employees, clinicians or authorised service providers in accordance with the practice's policies and procedures. Upon entry into the electronic management system, paper copies are destroyed confidentially.
Information as held by Connectedness Psychology and Coaching may include a client’s name, address, contact phone numbers, medical history, and other personal information collected as part of providing the psychological service.
How clients' personal information is collected
A client's personal information is collected during their engagement with Connectedness Psychology and Coaching. Clients will provide information directly to independent clinicians using hardcopy and electronic forms. Clients may also interact with and correspond directly with Connectedness Psychology and Coaching employees. For example, clients may interact with the receptionist when other health practitioners have provided personal information to Connectedness Psychology and Coaching such as referrals, correspondence and medical reports.
Consequence of not providing personal information
If the client does not wish for their personal information to be collected in a way anticipated by this Privacy Policy, Connectedness Psychology and Coaching may not be in a position to provide the psychological service to the client. In some circumstances, clients may request to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym, unless it is impracticable for independent clinicians to deal with the client, or when it is required or authorised by law to deal with identified individuals.
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, and communication with referrers and authorised representatives. The personal information is retained in order to document appointments, and enables independent clinicians to provide a relevant and informed psychological service.
Disclosure of personal information
Clients’ personal information will remain confidential except when:
it is subpoenaed by a court, or disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law; or
failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of the Psychologist 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 agency or professional, e.g., a GP or a lawyer; or
discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer, health provider, or third-party funder; or
disclose the information in another way; or
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.
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.
It is the responsibility of independent clinicians to maintain compliance of this policy for the purpose of providing psychological services to clients.
In the event any unauthorised access, disclosure or loss of a client’s personal information occurs, Connectedness Psychology and Coaching will activate its data breach plan and use all reasonable endeavours to minimise any risk of consequential serious harm.
Requests for access and correction to client information
At any stage clients may request to see and correct the personal information about them as kept on file.
It is the responsibility of independent psychologist to discuss the contents with the client 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 directed in writing to the independent clinician. These requests will be responded to in writing within fourteen (14) 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 and/or request for access or correction of their information they may contact the Director of Connectedness Propriety Limited by email at Manager@connectedness.com.au or by phone on 4440 5291.
Upon request clients may obtain a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describe their rights and how their personal information should be handled.
If clients wish to lodge a formal complaint about the use of, disclosure of, or access to, their personal information, they may do so with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner by phone on 1300 363 992, online at https://www.oaic.gov.au/ or by post to: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, GPO Box 5218, Sydney, NSW 2001.