Client Information, Confidentiality and Consent to Disclosure
The following concerns information about privacy and consent.
Policy for Management of Personal Information
This describes Dr Kevin Franklin’s Private Practice policy for the management of clients’ information. As a health provider my Clinical Psychology practice is bound by the legal requirements of the National Privacy Principles.
Client Information
Client files are held in a secure filing cabinet with access only by Dr Kevin Franklin. The information on file generally includes personal information such as name, address, contact phone number(s), and other information that is relevant to the psychological service being provided.
Purpose of holding information
The information is used as part of the assessment, diagnosis and treatment process and is seen only by Dr Kevin Franklin. The information is retained to help document that process and to enable a relevant and informed clinical psychology service.
Requests for access to client information
A client may request to see information about them kept on file. The content on your file may be discussed with you and/or you may receive a copy. The National Privacy Principles recognises that there are some exceptions to access (see www.privacy.gov.au).
Requests by clients for access to information held about them are to be made to Dr Kevin Franklin. An appointment (usually without fee) for clarification purposes may be necessary. Such requests are responded to within thirty-days.
Concerns
If you have a concern about the management of your personal information please inform Dr Kevin Franklin. You can obtain a copy of the National Privacy Principles from the Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner on 1300 363 992 or at GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 1042.
Since 21st December 2001 psychologists and others in health practice are subject to governance by Privacy Legislation. The purpose of the legislation is to help protect your privacy in matters regarding your health. See the Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner website at www.private.gov.au.
This information sheet helps address privacy and confidentiality issues by informing you of the protection and limits afforded by that legislation. Signing the Consent & Information Disclosure Form, which is now part of standard psychological and other health practice, means that you agree with the understandings described here.
The purpose of the Consent & Information Disclosure Form is your protection.
Psychological Service
As a Clinical Psychologist, in providing a psychological service to you, I will need to collect and record personal information from you that is relevant to your current situation. This information is a necessary part of the psychological assessment and treatment.
Access
You may access the material recorded in your file upon your request. There are some exceptions referred to in National Privacy Principle 6 (see above).
Confidentiality
All personal information will remain confidential and secure.
There are some exceptions. These are:
- If the material is subpoenaed by a court or similar having rightful authority, or
- Failure to disclose information would place you or another person at risk; or
- Your prior approval has been obtained to:
- Provide a written report to another person or agency eg referring GP, a lawyer; or
- Discuss the material with another person eg a parent or employer.
- Disclosure with your referring GP or Medical Practice under Medicare Care Plan 2710