Confidentiality and informed consent
As part of providing treatment, Dr Tucker will need to collect and record personal information from you that is relevant to your current situation. This information will be a necessary part of the assessment, investigation and treatment. You do not have to give all your personal information, but if you don’t, this may mean the service provided may be compromised or inappropriate.
The information is gathered as part of the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the client’s condition. It is seen only by Dr Tucker unless you provide permission for it to be shared with others. The information is retained to document what happens during sessions and ensure a relevant and informed service.
At any stage, you as a client are entitled to access the information about you kept on file unless the relevant legislation provides otherwise.
All personal information gathered during the provision of the care will remain confidential and secure, except where:
It is subpoenaed by Court; or
Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious and imminent risk; or
Your approval has been obtained to:
provide a written report to another professional or agency (e.g. another treating specialist); or
discuss the material with another person (i.e. parent, employer); or
Disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law
Client information
Client files are held in a secure, password-protected system and which meets or exceeds Australian confidentiality and privacy legislation. The information on each file includes personal information, such as name, address, contact details and other information which is relevant to the medical treatment provided.
How clients’ personal information is collected
A client’s personal information is collected in a number of ways, including when the client provides information directly using hardcopy forms, correspondence via email and text message, when the client interacts directly with Dr Tucker, and when other health practitioners provide personal information, via referrals, correspondence and medical reports. Material may be accessed via relevant information services, including medical imaging and pathology providers and My Health Record. I agree to this access and will explicitly inform Dr Tucker in writing or through declining relevant questions during the intake survey.
Purpose of holding information
The information is gathered as part of the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the client’s condition, and is seen only by Dr Tucker. The information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions and enables the provision of a relevant and informed medical practice.
Disclosure of personal information
Clients’ personal information will remain confidential except when:
1. It is subpoenaed by a court; or
2. Failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of Dr Tucker places the client or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety; or
3. The client’s prior approval has been obtained to:
a) provide a written report to another professional or agency, e.g., a GP or another specialist; or
b) discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer or health provider; or
c) disclose the information in another way; or
4. you would reasonably expect your personal information to be disclosed to another professional or agency (e.g. your GP) and disclosure of your personal information to that third party is for a purpose that is directly related to the primary purpose for which your personal information was collected; or
5. disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law.
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.
Requests for access to client information
At any stage, clients may request to see the information about them kept on file. The treating doctor 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 information held about them should be lodged, in writing, with Dr Tucker. These requests will be responded to within 21 days, and an appointment will be made, if necessary, for clarification purposes.
Concerns
If you have a concern about the management of your personal information, please inform Dr Tucker. Upon request, you can obtain a copy of the National Privacy Principles, which describe your rights and how your information should be handled. Ultimately, if you wish to lodge a formal complaint about the use of, or access to, your personal information, you may do so with the Office of Information Commissioner, Queensland on 1800 642 753, or PO Box 10143, Adelaide Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4000.