Policy for Management of Personal Information

The following describes the policy of D’Accord for the management of clients’ information. The psychological service provided is bound by the legal requirements of the National Privacy Principles from the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000.

Client information

Client files are held in a secure filing cabinet which is accessible only to authorised employees. The information on each file includes personal information such as name, address, contact phone numbers, and other information which is relevant to the psychological service being provided.

 

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 the psychologist. The information is retained in order to document issues presenting during counselling sessions, enabling the psychologist to provide a relevant and informed psychological service.

 

Requests for access to client information

At any stage clients may request to see the information retained in order to provide the psychological services. All requests by clients for access to such information should be lodged via written correspondence. These requests will be responded to within 2 days and an appointment will be made if necessary for clarification purposes.

 

Concerns

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 the Federal Privacy Commissioner on 1300 363 992, or GPO Box 5218, Sydney, NSW 1042.

Landscape photography © David Goldman
Corporate photography Getty images