Privacy Policy
This document describes the privacy policy of Sigma Psychology for the management of clients’ personal information. The psychological service provided is bound by the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
This Policy will commence on and from 10 January 2023.
Client Information
Client files are held electronically on our chosen digital case management platform. At the time of writing this, the platform being used for providing you with a psychology service is Cliniko, to process payments is done via separate service called Medipass. Information stored on this platform is only accessible to authorised employees or service providers in accordance with the practices policies and procedures. The information stored on each client file includes (but is not limited to) names, address, contact phone numbers, email address, medical history, case notes, reports, payment information and other information collected and generated as part of providing the psychological service.
Information regarding cliniko’s privacy policy and platform can be found on their website: https://www.cliniko.com/policies/privacy/
Information regarding medipass's privacy policy and platform can be found on their website: https://medipass.com.au/privacy-policy
How clients' personal information is collected.
A clients personal information is collected in a number of ways during psychological consultation with Sigma Psychology, including when the client provides information directly to Sigma Psychology, using electronic forms, correspondence via email, when the client interacts directly with Sigma Psychology, and when other health practitioners provide personal information to Sigma Psychology, 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, Sigma Psychology 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 Sigma Psychology to deal with the client or if Sigma Psychology 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 or issues requiring intervention identified by a third party e.g. Workcover, employer or Courts. 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
Disclosure of personal information Clients’ personal information will remain confidential except when:
1. failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of the Psychologist place a client or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety; or
2. 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 Sigma Psychology 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 Sigma Psychology. These requests will be responded to in writing within 30 days, and an appointment will be made if necessary for clarification purposes.
Concerns
If clients have a concern about the management of their personal information, they may inform the treating psychologist or Sigma Psychology. Upon request they can obtain a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describe their rights and how their personal information should be handled. Ultimately, if clients wish to lodge a formal complaint about the use of, disclosure of, or access to, their personal information, clients may contact:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
Freecall: 1300 363 992
Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Freecall: 1300 419 495
Website: www.ahpra.gov.au/complaint