My Psychology Tasmania is bound by legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and complies with the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics.
Client Information
In providing psychological services clients’ personal information needs to be collected. This includes information such as name, date of birth, contact details, medical history, and other relevant details collected over the course of providing the psychological service. Personal information is gathered and used for the purpose 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.
Storage of Client Information
Client files are stored in a secure locked filing cabinet and on password protected computers on a secure premise, accessible only to authorised staff. Client records are kept for a minimum of seven years after the date of last contact. After this time, reasonable steps will be taken to destroy or permanently de-identify the personal information as per Australian Psychological Society guidelines. If the client does not wish for their personal information to be collected in a way anticipated by this Privacy Policy, their psychologist may not be in a position to provide the psychological service.
Disclosure of personal information
Clients’ personal information will remain confidential except when:
1. It is subpoenaed by a court, or disclosure is required or authorised by law; or
2. Failure to disclose the information would in reasonable belief of My Psychology Tasmania, place a client or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety; or
3. Clients’ prior approval has been obtained to
a. provide a written report to another professional or agency. e.g., GP or lawyer; or
b. discuss the material with another person, eg. a parent, employer, health provider; or
c. disclose to another professional or agency (e.g. GP) directly related to the primary purpose for which the personal information was collected.
Access requests to client information
At any stage clients may request to see and correct 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). All requests by clients for access to information held about them should be lodged with My Psychology Tasmania. These requests will be responded to in a timely manner 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 their psychologist. Upon request they can obtain a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describe their rights and how their personal information should be handled. 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 http://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/making-a-privacy-complaint or by post to: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, GPO Box 5218, Sydney, NSW 2001.
