Information provided by third parties

I will collect information from you whenever possible and practical. I may also ask to gather information from people who know you well, like a partner or parent, or from professionals involved in your care, such as your GP. I will keep you informed about the information I collect and where it comes from, and I will obtain your written consent before contacting others or accessing this information.

Information shared to third parties

Your personal information will remain confidential, except in the following situations: if required by law, such as a court subpoena. If, in the reasonable belief of the psychologist or practice, not disclosing the information would put you or someone else at serious risk of harm to life, health, or safety. If you have given prior consent for myself to provide information to a third party. 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 unauthorized access, disclosure or loss of a client’s personal information occurs, Claire Dowling Psychology will activate its data breach plan and use all reasonable endeavours to minimize any risk of consequential serious harm. We follow the national requirements for our data breach plan (https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/notifiable-data-breaches).

Storage and security of personal information

I will take reasonable steps to protect the personal information of clients from misuse, interference or loss, and from unauthorised modification, access or disclosure. Paper documents containing personal information listed above will be stored under lock. Electronic information containing personal information listed above will be stored and backed up securely, in accordance with the APS Code of Ethics (2007).

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 service may discuss the contents with them and/or give them a copy, subject to the exceptions in the Privacy Act 1988. If satisfied that personal information is inaccurate, out of date or incomplete, reasonable steps will be taken in the circumstances to ensure that this information is corrected.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 Claire. These requests will be responded to in writing within 30 days.

Complaints

Clients have a right to make a complaint about the handling of their personal information. Complaints can be made to Claire by email (clairedowlingpsychology@hotmail.com). I will endeavor to respond appropriately to reasonable complaints within 30 days of the receipt of the email. Ultimately, if you wish to make a complaint about the use of, disclosure of, or access to your personal information, you may do so with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner by phone on 1300 363 992 or online at http://www.oaic.gov.au/provacy/making-a-privacy-complaint or by post to: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, GPO Box 5218, SYDNEY NSW 2001.