Privacy policy
NHAA Practitioner Privacy Policy (Modified from the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000)
As a fully accredited member of the National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA) I support good privacy practice and agree to comply with the privacy legislation in regards to all information received from my patients/clients (hereinafter referred to as “clients”).
1. Collection of personal information
In collecting personal information about clients I will ensure that they have contact details for me and my practice; that they can gain access to the information collected about them; that I will only collect information about them which assists me in performing my functions as a practitioner of western herbal medicine and/or naturopathy; and that I will inform them of any information I collect from a source other than them personally, in compliance with the privacy legislation.
2. Use of personal information
I will only use their personal information for the purpose or purposes for which it was collected or as otherwise permitted by law. The main reason for the collection of their personal information by me is to establish an accurate, clear and comprehensive record of each consultation including, but not limited to name, address, contact details and occupation of the client; date of consultation; presenting complaint including duration; past and family history; relevant lifestyle history, details of previous treatments and current medications; known allergic reactions; and findings from pathology tests or other investigations. I will only disclose their personal information for the purpose or purposes of consultation with another practitioner or as otherwise permitted by law and only with the express permission of my client.
3. Quality and security of data
I will take all reasonable steps to make sure that the personal information I collect is accurate, complete and up-to-date. I will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the storage, use and any transfer of their personal information is done in such a way as to best protect their privacy. I will take all reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify personal information if it is no longer needed for any purpose for which the information may be used or disclosed under National Privacy Principle 2.
4. Openness
This policy is available to all my clients. On request I can provide further general detail on what sort of personal information I hold, for what purpose, and how I collect, hold and use that information.
5. Access and correction
Any client is entitled at all times to request access to their own information and correct any personal information I hold about them. If access to their information is denied under specified circumstances set out in the privacy legislation, I will provide them with adequate reasons for the denial of access.
6. Identifiers
I will not adopt as my own identifier any identifier that has been assigned to a client by a government agency except where required by law.
7. Anonymity
Wherever it is lawful, practicable and relevant I will ensure my clients have the right to be dealt with anonymously.
8. Transborder data flows
I will not transfer personal information about clients outside Australia for any purpose without the express permission of my client.
9. Sensitive information
I will not collect sensitive information about clients without their prior consent or as required by law or otherwise as set out in the privacy legislation.