This policy outlines the ways in which the personal information of my clients is handled. I take privacy seriously and am committed to complying with the Australian Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

 

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Personal information

 

Personal information is any information about an individual that can be used to identify them

directly or indirectly, such as name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth.

 

Sensitive information is a type of personal information which includes details, for example,

about a person’s racial or ethnic origins, political or religious beliefs, sexual orientation,

health or genetic information, family court orders or criminal record. The breach of sensitive

information is likely to leave people open to discrimination or embarrassment.

 

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Why I collect personal information

 

The sharing of personal information by a client assists in supporting the client during therapy and is retained to enable me to provide a relevant and informed service. Within my practice, and due to my duty of care, a client cannot be anonymous. A client may request to use a pseudonym, but a name as listed on official identification is required.

 

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How I collect personal information

 

We collect personal information through a variety of means, including:

• the information you verbally share with me

• written communication received from you via email, SMS or letter

• client intake form

• a guardian for those under 18 years of age

• a referral from your GP or another treating practitioner or service.

 

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My storage of personal information

 

To protect personal information from misuse or loss, I store it securely.

The method of storage varies and includes both hard copies and digital versions (either on a secure server or offline).

 

I do not retain any credit card or banking details.

 

I dispose of information securely from time to time in alignment with my legal obligations.

 

If I become aware of a security breach we will promptly investigate and, where appropriate,

take remedial action and notify the individual affected in accordance with the Privacy Act.

 

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Disclosure of your personal information

 

I will not disclose personal information about you to third parties without your consent,

except if required by law.

 

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Accessing your personal information

 

You may request access to personal information I hold about you. I may ask you to

specify what information you require and may charge a fee where I provide access. I deal with all requests for access to personal information as required by the Privacy Act.

 

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Integrity of your personal information

 

I try to ensure that the personal information I collect is accurate and up to date. You may

request an update or correction to personal information I hold about you and I will deal

with all such requests as required by the Privacy Act.

 

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Complaints

 

If you think your personal information has not been handled in line with the Privacy Act,

please contact me in the first instance. I will investigate your complaint and try to resolve this promptly directly with you.

 

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may make a complaint to the Office of

the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). For information about how to make such a

complaint, please refer to the OAIC website http://www.oaic.gov.au/

 

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Changes to this privacy policy

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I may make changes to this privacy policy from time to time and in such cases I will

notify clients by email or on our website.

 

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Contact me

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If you have any questions relating to privacy matters, please contact me by email at contact@philipnurse.com.au