Privacy Policy

PRIVACY POLICY

Purpose

Flourish Clinical Psychology is committed to protecting the privacy of clients. This policy outlines our commitment and provides guidance on how we ensure that our policies and practices support the protection of privacy.

Scope of policy and practice

This policy applies to all leaders, employees, and contractors of Flourish Clinical Psychology. The policy applies to all activities involved in the provision of psychological services.

Policy for management of private information 

Client files are maintained which include personal information including name, address, contact information, correspondence with referrers, symptom questionnaires, background information provided by clients, a summary of therapy provided, and outcomes relevant to the psychological service being provided. Government identifiers (e.g. Medicare number) are used as necessary to comply with the requirements of government funding programs. 

Client files comply with the Psychology Board of Australia Code of Conduct and the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics. This service is also bound by the Australian Privacy Principles and the Privacy Act. 

Client files are held in a secure, encrypted filing system, which is accessible only to authorised personnel. Files are held for seven years after the termination of therapy (or to the age of 25 if a minor). Clients may request access to information held in their client file. Any requests should be submitted in writing to Samantha Fitt. These requests will be responded to as soon as practicable, in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles, and an appointment may be made for clarification. Clients may request corrections to their personal information, and can address any complaints regarding management of private information to Samantha Fitt. 

Disclosure of personal information

Information about you will not be disclosed to any third party, with the following exceptions:

a) If, in the reasonable belief of the Psychologist, failing to disclose the information would place the client or another person at risk to life, health, or safety;

b) If it is subpoenaed by a court or another body with similar power;

c) As required by funding bodies, including Medicare, WorkCover WA and Department of Veterans Affairs, where these funding programs are being utilised by the client for therapy (this includes providing feedback to referring doctors);

d) With the client’s (or parent/guardian’s) consent, to share information with another professional or agency.

Mature minors

Young people between 16-18 years will be assessed for their capacity as a mature minor on initial assessment, and as appropriate throughout their engagement with the organisation. Assessment of capacity as a mature minor will take into consideration the young person’s ability to comprehend the nature, consequences, risks and benefits of any proposed course of action, including consenting to treatment, making other health care decisions, authorising the sharing of information, and demanding confidentiality. The organisation will respect the capacity of mature minors to make these decisions. Assessment of capacity as a mature minor will be documented as appropriate.

Where any risk of harm to the young person or others is identified, or where necessary for a young person’s immediate wellbeing, any necessary steps will be taken to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of the young person, which may include breaking of confidentiality. Where there is a legal requirement for disclosure, the organisation will comply with all legal requirements.

Responsibilities

Samantha Fitt (Director) is responsible for the following:

Relevant Legislation and Standards

This policy has been informed by the following documents:

Related policies

The following organisational policies are relevant to, and provide additional information regarding privacy:

These policies will be regularly reviewed to ensure that they support privacy and protection of personal information.

Policy status and review

This policy is current as at 21 November 2024. This policy will be reviewed annually.