Privacy Policy for Management of Personal Information  

This document describes the privacy policy of Laneways Psychology Canberra for the management of clients’ personal information. The  psychological service provided is bound by the legal requirements of the Australian  Privacy Principles set out Schedule 1 of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).  

Client information  

Client files are held in Halaxy which is accessible only to authorised employees or any authorised service provider in accordance with the practice's policies and procedures. 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 clients' personal information is collected  

A client's personal information is collected in a number of ways during psychological  consultation with Laneways Psychology Canberra, including when the client  provides information directly to Laneways Psychology Canberra using hardcopy  forms, correspondence via email, when the client interacts directly with Laneways Psychology Canberra employees such as the receptionist, and when other health  practitioners provide personal information to Laneways Psychology Canberra, 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, Laneways Psychology Canberra 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 Laneways Psychology Canberra to deal with the client or if Laneways Psychology Canberra 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. 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  

As outlined in the client clinician agreement, clients’ personal information will remain confidential except when:  

1. it is subpoenaed by a court, or disclosure is otherwise required or  authorised by law;  

2. failure to disclose the information would, in the reasonable belief of Laneways Psychology Canberra or the clinician, place a client or another person at  serious risk to life, health or safety; or  

3. the client’s prior approval has been obtained to: 

a) provide a written report to another agency or professional, e.g., a GP  or a lawyer; or  

b) discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer,  health provider, or third party funder; 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.  

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.  

In the event that unauthorised access, disclosure or loss of a client’s personal  information occurs Laneways Psychology Canberra 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  kept on file. The psychologist may discuss the contents with them 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 lodged with  Madeleine Davies. These requests will be responded to in writing within 30 days and an appointment will be made if necessary for clarification  purposes.  Fees may apply for clinician time. 

Concerns  

If clients have a concern about the management of their personal information, they may  inform Madeleine Davies (Admin@lanewaysCanberra.com.au). 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 https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-complaints/lodge-a-privacy-complaint-with-us or  by post to: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, GPO Box 5288, Sydney, NSW 2001. Further information can be found at https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/australian-privacy-principles/australian-privacy-principles-guidelines.