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This Privacy Policy explains how I manage your personal information, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assist in creating and managing consultation notes. It outlines how your personal information, including health information, is collected, used, and protected within my practice, as well as the circumstances in which it may be shared with third parties. I am committed to protecting your privacy in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and all relevant healthcare legislation.

Why and When Your Consent is Necessary

By agreeing to receive psychological treatment, you are consenting to the collection and use of your personal information to ensure the provision of the best possible care. Only I, and other relevant healthcare professionals, will access your records as necessary for treatment purposes. If your information needs to be used for anything beyond this, I will seek your additional consent.

Why Do I Collect, Use, Hold, and Share Your Personal Information?

I collect, use, and hold your personal information primarily to manage your mental health care. This includes creating consultation notes, formulating treatment plans, and providing the necessary care. I also use this information for related activities such as financial claims and payments. Your information may also be used for administrative purposes like practice audits, professional development, and managing business processes.

What Personal Information Do I Collect?

The information I collect includes:

Personal details: Name, date of birth, contact details, gender
Health information: Medical history, clinical notes, current medications, allergies, social history, family history, risk factors
Medicare number (if applicable) for identification and claiming purposes
Voice or video recordings for supervision purposes, with your signed consent

Dealing with Me Anonymously

You have the right to deal with me anonymously or under a pseudonym, unless it is impractical to do so or I am required by law to only deal with identified individuals.

How Do I Collect Your Personal Information?

I collect your personal information in the following ways:

When you make your first appointment, I collect personal and demographic details via your registration.
During the course of treatment, I may collect further personal information. This may include data from external sources like MyHealth Record (PCEHR) or other healthcare providers with your consent.
I may also collect your personal information through phone, email, or fax communications.
In some cases, I may collect personal information from other healthcare providers (e.g., your GP, specialists, or allied health professionals) when it is not practical to obtain it directly from you.

Who Do I Share Your Personal Information With?

I may share your personal information in the following circumstances:

With third parties who assist in running my practice, such as IT providers and accreditation bodies, who are required to comply with privacy laws.
With other healthcare providers who are involved in your care
In a de-identified form during clinical supervision.
If required or authorised by law (e.g., court orders or mandatory reporting).
To prevent or address a serious risk to your health or safety or the safety of others.
For confidential dispute resolution processes.

I will not share your information with anyone outside of Australia unless legally required or with your consent.

How Do I Store and Protect Your Personal Information?

I store your personal information securely, both electronically and in hard copy, and take reasonable steps to protect it from misuse, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. I use encryption for electronic data and restrict access to authorized personnel only.

Use of AI in Consultation Notes

I use AI tools to assist in documenting consultation notes for accuracy and efficiency. These tools are employed under strict privacy and security measures and are compliant with legal and ethical healthcare standards.

How AI is Used:

AI processes information from consultations to draft notes.
These notes are then reviewed and finalized by me.

Your Information:

No AI-generated content is stored outside of secure systems.
AI tools are configured to minimize data exposure.

Mandatory Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach that causes serious harm to you, I am required by law to notify the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) and inform you promptly, unless doing so would not be practical.

Accessing and Correcting Your Personal Information

You can request access to your personal health information at any time. I will provide you with the information in a timely manner, as required by privacy legislation. If you believe your personal information is incorrect, you can request that I correct or update it. Requests for access or correction should be made in writing to: gpcounsellingtraining@gmail.com

Complaints and Concerns

If you have any concerns or complaints about how your privacy is being handled, please notify me in writing. I will aim to resolve your complaint within 10 business days. You can email me at: gpcounsellingtraining@gmail.com

If you are not satisfied with my response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at:

Phone: 1300 363 992
Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Postal Address: GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001

Practice Contact Details:

Dr Monica Moore - Mental Health Clinician
Suite 4, Level 1, 16 Boyle st, Sutherland NSW 2232
Phone0400 553 160
Email: gpcounsellingtraining@gmail.com

Policy Review Statement

This privacy policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains compliant with any changes in legislation and to reflect any updates to my practice.