Legal
Privacy policy.
AusCare Psychology Pty Ltd (ABN [ABN to be confirmed]) (“AusCare”, “we”, “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, store and disclose your personal information, including your health information, and how you can access it or make a complaint. We handle your information in line with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles, and with applicable state health records law, including the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic).
The information we collect
In providing psychology services we collect personal information, which may include your name, date of birth, contact details, and emergency contact. As a health service, we also collect health information, which is sensitive information, including the reasons you are seeking support, your relevant history, assessment and session notes, and referral and treatment plan details. We collect booking and payment information through our practice software, and limited technical information when you use our website, such as analytics data about how the site is used.
How we collect it
We collect information directly from you, when you book, complete forms, or attend sessions, and from people you have authorised, such as your referring GP or another health provider. Where it is lawful and practical, we will collect information from you directly. Our website may use cookies and analytics to understand and improve how the site is used.
Why we collect and use it
We use your information to provide and manage your psychology care, to communicate with you, to process bookings and payments, to prepare reports to your referring practitioner as required under Medicare’s Better Access initiative, to meet our professional and legal obligations, and to improve our services. We do not sell your personal information.
When we disclose it
We may disclose your information to your referring GP or practitioner, with your consent, as part of coordinated care and the Better Access requirements; to Medicare and your health fund as needed to process rebates and claims; and to the third-party providers that help us operate, such as our practice and booking software, under appropriate confidentiality and privacy obligations. We may also disclose information where required or authorised by law, or where there is a serious and imminent threat to the life, health or safety of a person. We will not disclose your health information for marketing.
Our practice software
We use Halaxy as our practice management and booking software, which handles your booking, payment, reminders and related records. Your information held in that system is subject to its own security and privacy protections, and we use it in line with this policy.
Storage and security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, and unauthorised access, including secure, encrypted systems and access controls. Sessions are held over a secure, encrypted video connection, and we do not record sessions. If a data breach occurs that is likely to result in serious harm, we will act in line with the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme, which may include notifying you and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
Overseas disclosure
Some of the software we use may store or process data on servers located outside Australia. Where that is the case, we take reasonable steps to ensure your information is handled consistently with the Australian Privacy Principles. [Awaiting Maneet: confirm whether any provider stores data overseas, and name the countries if so.]
Access and correction
You may ask to access the personal information we hold about you, and to correct it if it is inaccurate, out of date or incomplete, in line with the Australian Privacy Principles. Contact us using the details below. In limited circumstances we may need to decline access, and if so we will explain why and how you can respond.
Retention
We keep health records for the period required by law and professional standards, and securely destroy or de-identify them when they are no longer required. [Awaiting Maneet: confirm the retention period the practice applies.]
Complaints
If you have a concern about how we have handled your information, please contact us first so we can try to resolve it. You may also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. See our complaints page for details.
Contact and changes
To access your information, make a correction, or raise a privacy concern, contact us at privacy@auscarepsychology.com.au or 0474 654 209. We may update this policy from time to time, and the current version will always be on this page.
Last updated: [awaiting Maneet: date]
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