Privacy policy statement
This document outlines the privacy policy implemented by Laura Bailey Psychology regarding the management of clients' personal information. At Laura Bailey Psychology we take the privacy of your information very seriously, and we strive to ensure compliance with all aspects of the Australian Privacy Principles, alongside our existing responsibilities of maintaining confidentiality as required by the AHPRA and APS codes of ethics and regulatory guidelines.
What is personal information?
Personal information is any information which identifies you or could be reasonably be used to identify you.
Personal client information
Client records are securely stored in a specially designed electronic document management system that is accessible exclusively to authorised employees. These files contain personal details such as names, addresses, contact phone numbers, medical history, and other pertinent information collected for the purpose of delivering psychological services.
Collection of personal information
Clients' personal information is obtained through various means during psychological consultations with Laura Bailey Psychology. This includes direct provision of information by clients using physical forms, email correspondence, interactions with Laura Bailey Psychology staff (e.g., receptionists), and personal information shared by other healthcare professionals through referrals, correspondence, and medical reports. The absence of this information may heighten the risk of suboptimal assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plans being formulated or implemented.
If clients choose not to have their personal information collected in accordance with this Privacy Policy, Laura Bailey Psychology may be unable to provide the requested psychological services. In some situations, clients may request to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym unless Laura Bailey Psychology finds it impractical to engage with the client or is legally obligated to interact with identified individuals.
Purpose of holding personal information
Clients' personal information is collected and used exclusively for the purpose of providing psychological services, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the client's presenting concerns. Retaining this personal information allows for accurate documentation of session details and enables the psychologist to offer relevant and informed psychological assistance.
Information provided by third parties
There may be instances where we need to collect information from individuals who have had long-standing connections with you, such as a spouse or parent, or from other healthcare professionals involved in your treatment, like your general practitioner (GP). We are committed to providing you with clear and accurate details regarding the information collected and its source. When necessary, we will seek your written informed consent before contacting and obtaining information from relevant sources.
Disclosure of personal information
Personal information gathered as part of this service will remain confidential except when:
1. It is subpoenaed by a court; or
2. Failure to disclose the information 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
4. You would reasonably expect your personal information to be disclosed 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; or
5. Disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law. Clients' personal information will not be disclosed to overseas recipients unless authorised by the client or required by law. Furthermore, clients' personal information will not be used, sold, rented, or disclosed for any other purpose.
Data breach
In the event of unauthorised access, disclosure, or loss of a client's personal information, Laura Bailey Psychology will activate its data breach plan and make every reasonable effort to minimise any potential harm resulting from such incidents.
Requests for access and correction of client information
Clients have the right to request access to and correction of their personal information held on file at any time. Depending on the nature of the requested information, the psychologist may discuss the contents with the client and/or provide them with a copy, subject to the exceptions outlined in the Privacy Act 1988. If it is determined that personal information is inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete, appropriate measures will be taken to rectify the situation.
Clients should direct all requests for access or correction of personal information to the Laura Bailey Psychology Management Team. Written responses to such requests will be provided within a reasonable timeframe, and if necessary, an appointment may be arranged for further clarification.
Laura Bailey Psychology reserves the right to decline or restrict the provision of requested information if legally permitted to do so. We will make reasonable efforts to provide explanations for any refusals. For instance, the release of information may be denied or limited if it unreasonably affects the privacy of others or is deemed frivolous or vexatious.
Concerns and complaints
If clients have any concerns regarding the management of their personal information, they are encouraged to communicate their concerns to the Laura Bailey Psychology Management Team. Upon request, clients have the option to obtain a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which outline their rights and the appropriate handling of their personal information.
In the event that clients wish to file a formal complaint regarding the use, disclosure, or access to their personal information, they may do so by contacting the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. Complaints can be made via phone at 1300 363 992, online at http://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/making-a-privacy-complaint, or by sending a written complaint to the following address: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, GPO Box 5218, Sydney, NSW 2001.
Changes to this policy
Periodically, we may revise this policy to align with changes in the law or advancements in professional best-practice guidelines. We encourage all clients and referrers to review this policy on a regular basis to stay informed about any modifications that may have been made.