PRIVACY POLICY
PRIVACY POLICY
This document describes the privacy policy of Stephen Moore (Inner Strength Therapy) 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), and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002.
How clients’ personal information is collected
A client’s personal information is collected in a number of ways during psychological consultation with Stephen Moore (Inner Strength Therapy), including when the client provides information directly to Stephen Moore (Inner Strength Therapy) using hardcopy forms, correspondence via email, and when other health practitioners provide personal information to Stephen Moore (Inner Strength Therapy), via 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, Stephen Moore (Inner Strength Therapy) may not be in a position to provide the psychological service to the client. Clients may request to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym, unless it is impracticable for Stephen Moore (Inner Strength Therapy) to deal with the client or if Stephen Moore (Inner Strength Therapy) 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 preparing reports. The personal information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions, and enables the psychologist to provide a relevant and informed psychological service.
Disclosure of personal information
Clients’ personal information will not be disclosed except when:
- It is subpoenaed by a court
- Failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of Stephen Moore (Inner Strength Therapy) that a client or another person is at serious risk to life, health or safety
- The client’s 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
- 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.
- Stephen Moore (Inner Strength Therapy) has ongoing supervision. The supervisor is also under confidentiality. In supervision, your age and certain circumstances may be disclosed however your name will not be revealed
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.
Disclosure of personal information
If clients have a concern about the management of their personal information, they may inform Stephen Moore (Inner Strength Therapy). Upon request they can obtain a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describe their rights and how their personal information should be handled. Ultimately, 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 http://www.oaic.gov.au/