Melbourne Holistic Health Group

Published in Clinic Information on 31 December 2011 by Melbourne Holistic Health Group

Melbourne Holistic Health Group is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information we record; information that directly or indirectly identifies a person.We are bound by Federal and Victorian privacy laws, including the Federal Privacy Act 1988, the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000, and the Health Records Act 2001, as well as other laws, which impose specific obligations in regard to handling information.

We collect and handle personal information including medical and health information, family information, demographic and account information such as address, contact details and employer information, for the purpose of providing clinical services to our clients.

• This personal information is accessible to our staff and practitioners, which include naturopaths, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, acupuncturists, chiropractors, remedial massage therapists, and psychologists, all of whom are bound by the privacy laws.

• In accordance with our responsibilities, the services and functions we provide relate primarily to the area of health care. We recognise that the nature of these services means that much of the information we handle is particularly sensitive.

• Any student or intern observing consultations at the clinic will be bound by the same code of privacy as all practitioners and staff. They will not identify any client by name in notes relating to clinical observation.

• All personal information is computerised with strictly controlled access by personal logins and passwords. Computer screens at reception are located behind the reception desk to ensure that personal information is not visible to other individuals. All computer screens are cleared of personal information and logged off when not in use or unattended for a significant period of time.

• We will ensure that when contacting clients via the telephone, staff will only identify the call is from MHHG when speaking directly to the client, otherwise the call will be identified as a personal call.

• We will ask permission of our new client’s, via the New Patient Registration form, to telephone or send them an SMS two days before their scheduled appointment to reconfirm their booking.

• Reminders are conducted to ensure the ongoing care of our patients or to provide preventative care. We obtain consent from our patients prior to placing them on a reminder system.

• We recognise the essential right of individuals to have their information handled in a manner they would reasonably expect - protected on the one hand, and made accessible to them on the other. Release of client information may only occur with the written consent of the client and the releasing practitioner. MHHG provides our clients with the necessary forms should the client request access to their information or their information to be sent to another practitioner.

• Patients of our practice have the right to access their personal health information under the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000.

• Our practice informs patients that they are able to access their health information. This is done via the notice in the waiting area and via the practice website.

• On written request for access to personal health information, our practice documents each request and endeavours to assist patients in granting access where possible and according to the privacy legislation. Each request is given to the individual’s practitioner to check for exemptions. Exemptions to access are noted and we check the client’s or their legally nominated representative’s identification prior to granting access.

• For medico-legal reasons, our practice retains the original record and provides the new practitioner or the individual with a summary or a copy.

• We retain personal information for the period required by the Health Records Act (2001).
  Copies of these Acts are available online from the Australian State and Federal Governments. The Federal Privacy Act 1988 and the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 are available at  http:// www.comlaw.gov.au. The Health Records Act 2001 is available at http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au.