Privacy policy

Policy for the Management of Personal Information

Psychologists in Australia are legally obligated to adhere to the Privacy Act 1988and Health Records Act 2001 when handling client information, including health information. This means they must collect, use, and disclose personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles.

Client Information

Client information is gathered that allows the Intern and their Supervisor to make informed professional decisions regarding the most appropriate assessment and/or intervention.. This information includes basic demographic data (e.g. name, date of birth, address, etc), as well as other information that is deemed relevant. This usually includes the following:

• The reasons for referral and what is hoped to be achieved
• Relevant personal and family history
• Other information deemed necessary to make an informed clinical judgement about the nature of the referral, for example, previous assessments and school reports

Disclosure of personal information

Interns are trained to avoid undue invasion of privacy in the collection of information. This includes but is not limited to: (a) collecting only information relevant to the service being provided. In general, all information gathered remains confidential. However, there are several notable exceptions to this confidentiality:

• All Interns discuss their clinical work with their supervisor.
• In the event that an opinion is formed that there is reason to believe that the collection, use or disclosure is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious threat to the life, health or safety of any individual, or to public health or safety.
• In the event that a file is subpoenaed to court.
• In the event that a written Record Release Authority is provided with the client's signature.

Requests for access and correction to client information

All requests for access to personal information should be in writing and lodged with the Clinic Director. These requests will be responded to in writing within 28 days and should be specific as to the exact information required.

Concerns

Official complaints or requests to change inaccurate or erroneous information should be made to the Clinic Director for investigation. Further complaints about the disclosure of, or access to, personal information, can be dealt with by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.