Privacy Policy for the Management of Personal Information
Think Actively is an independent practice trading under the ownership of PB & DB PTY LTD. You may contact Think Actively by writing to PO Box 1454, Bairnsdale, 3875, by emailing reception@thinkactively.com.au or by calling Think Actively on 03 4100 0082.
Collection of Personal and Sensitive Information
Think Actively collects personal and sensitive information and undertakes to hold it in a secure manner. Think Actively needs to collect information about you for the primary purpose of providing quality treatment. This information will also be used for the administrative purposes of running the practice such as billing you or through an insurer or compensation agency.
Think Actively recognises that the sensitive information, which has been disclosed to us, needs special care and protection. We are required by law, as detailed under Australian Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act) to comply with a strict code of conduct to maintain the privacy of all personal information on record. This Privacy Policy complies with the privacy principles set out in the Act and explains how we apply them in practice.
Types of personal and sensitive information collected:
- Name and title
- Contact details
- Carer details
- Financial data
- Medical, psychological and social history
- Other documentary information provided by the client or referrer and or other professional.
Storage of Client Information
Information at Think Actively is stored securely and only practice staff has access to it.
- Hard files are held in a secured locked cabinet. Where by a file needs to be transported between offices or too and from meetings they will be secured in a locked bag accessible only to Think Actively clinicians.
- Electronically Think Actively uses a practice software called Halaxy. This software has secure encryption and is password protected. Only the clinician at Think Actively has access to the client information.
Files will contain personal information such as name, address, contact details, medical, psychological and social history and other information collected as a part of providing social work services. Files will also contain treatment progress notes and plans for future service.
The information collected can come from a number of sources; from the individual client or with your consent from others such as; immediate family members, nominated health providers, schools, other professionals.
Any information collected from a third party will not contain any more identifying information than is reasonably necessary to provide safe and effective treatment to the client.
Anonymity and pseudonymity
Clients have the option of not identifying themselves, or of using a pseudonym, when dealing with Think Actively. Exceptions include whereby Think Actively is required or authorised by or under an Australian law, or a court/ tribunal order, to deal with individuals who have identified themselves; or (b) it is impracticable for Think Actively to deal with individuals who have not identified themselves or who have used a pseudonym.
Consequence of not providing Personal Information
If you do not provide relevant personal or health information, in part or in full, to Think Actively it may result in incomplete assessment. This may impact on the assessment and the following therapy that is provided.
Disclosure of Personal Information
Think Actively may disclose information regarding assessment or treatment to your Doctor or other treatment providers only with your consent. In the case of insurance or compensation claims, it may be necessary to disclose information and/or collect information that affects your treatment and return to work.
Think Actively will not disclose your information to commercial companies, however specific service or product information as deemed suitable for your management, may be forwarded to you by us, unless you instruct Think Actively not to forward this type of information.
Your written consent will be obtained at the start of your treatment in order to carry out the above activities. We do not disclose your personal information to overseas recipients.
There are a few exceptions to disclosure of personal and sensitive information which include:
- if it is subpoenaed by a court
- failure to disclose the information would, in the reasonable belief of Think Actively, place a client or another person at risk of serious risk to life, health or safety
- Required by law
Request for Access and Correction to Client Information
You have the right to gain access to the information held by Think Actively about you. Think Actively takes all reasonable steps to ensure that information collected about you is accurate, complete and up-to-date. You may have access to your information on request and if you believe that any of the information is inaccurate, we may be able to amend it accordingly.
All requests can be made for access to Think Actively at PO Box 1454, Bairnsdale, 3875. All requests will be responded to in writing within 30 days and an appointment made to clarify the information if required.
Please note the Privacy Act has some provisions whereby access to information in the file can be refused. Please discuss this with Think Actively if you require further clarification.
How to make a complaint regarding Breach of Privacy.
Any concerns or complaint about a perceived breach of privacy should be made to Think Actively in writing (PO Box 1454, Bairnsdale, 3875) and will be responded to in 30 days from receipt of the complaint.
If the complaint can not be resolved all clients are eligible to make a formal complaint to the Australian Government: Australian Information Commissioner via:
https://www.oaic.gov.au/individuals/how-do-i-make-a-privacy-complaint
GPO Box 5218
Sydney NSW 2001
FAX 61 2 9284 9666
enquiries@oaic.gov.au
Useful links
Any concerns that you may have about this statement or about your management can be directed to Pamela Black at Think Actively on 03 4100 0082 or email reception@thinkactively.com.au.