Client Privacy Policy for Golden Nurses Pty Ltd
Effective Date: 30/12/2024
1. Introduction
At Golden Nurses Pty Ltd, we value the privacy of our clients and are committed to protecting their personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information, particularly sensitive health data, in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Information Privacy Act 2009 (QLD).
As a community nursing service provider, we understand the importance of safeguarding your personal and health information. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and other persons acting on behalf of Golden Nurses Pty Ltd.
2. Types of Information We Collect
We collect the following types of information in order to provide nursing and healthcare services:
Personal Information: This includes your name, contact details, date of birth, gender, and other identification information.
Health Information: This includes medical records, diagnosis, treatment plans, medication details, and any other health-related information relevant to your care.
Sensitive Information: As a healthcare provider, we may also collect sensitive information, such as racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, or any other information required to provide comprehensive healthcare.
3. How We Collect Information
We collect personal and health information directly from you or your authorised representatives in the following ways:
Through intake forms and assessments
During health consultations and visits
Through communication with you or other health professionals
Through client files, records, and documentation
4. Use of Personal and Health Information
We will only use or disclose personal information, including health information, for the purpose it was collected. This may include:
Providing nursing and healthcare services
Communicating with clients and their families or representatives about care
Managing client accounts, billing, and records
Complying with legal or regulatory obligations
Coordinating with other healthcare professionals, if necessary
5. Security of Information
We take reasonable steps to ensure the security of your personal and health information. These measures include:
Using secure systems for storing and transmitting information
Restricting access to information to authorised staff only
Ensuring that all electronic devices, including computers, tablets, and mobile devices, are password-protected and encrypted where necessary
Ensuring paper-based records are securely stored and disposed of in accordance with confidentiality requirements
6. Disclosure of Information
We will not disclose your personal or health information to third parties without your consent unless required or authorised by law. This includes situations where we are required to disclose information under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), Information Privacy Act 2009 (QLD), or other relevant legislation.
We may share your information with:
Healthcare professionals or providers involved in your care, with your consent
Our contracted service providers (e.g., IT providers, insurance companies) to support our operations
Regulatory authorities, if required by law
Emergency services or family members in case of an emergency or with your consent
7. Accessing and Correcting Your Information
You have the right to request access to your personal and health information held by us. If you believe any of your information is incorrect, you may request corrections. To do so, please contact us in writing at the address provided below.
8. Retention of Information
We will retain your personal and health information only for as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. After this time, we will securely destroy or anonymise your information.
9. Your Privacy Rights
You have the right to:
Request access to your personal and health information
Request corrections to any incorrect information
Withdraw consent to the use or disclosure of your information, subject to legal or contractual obligations
Lodge a complaint if you believe that your privacy has been compromised
If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact us at the details below.
10. Complaints
If you believe that we have not complied with the requirements of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) or the Information Privacy Act 2009 (QLD), or if you are unhappy with how we have handled your personal or health information, you may lodge a complaint with us.
You may also lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) or the Queensland Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC).
Contact Information:
For any queries, requests, or complaints, please contact us at:
Golden Nurses Pty Ltd
admin@golden-nurses.com
www.golden-nurses.com
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or business needs. Any changes to this policy will be posted on our website, and the updated version will apply from the date it is published.
12. Conclusion
At Golden Nurses Pty Ltd, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal and health information is handled in accordance with Australian privacy laws. We will continue to monitor and improve our privacy practices to ensure that your information remains safe and secure.