Privacy Policy of Foot Doctor Podiatry

Privacy Act 1993 And Health Information Privacy Code 1994

All clients will receive safe and reasonable services in a manner that is respectful of their rights, minimises harm, and acknowledges their cultural and individual values and beliefs.  Our clinic will always display in our waiting area the “10 Principles of the Code” and have leaflets available to clients (downloaded or ordered from the Health & Disability Commissioner website on the Code).

We expect all staff to uphold the 10 principles of the Code:

1.    The right to be treated with respect.

2.    The right to freedom from discrimination, coercion, harassment, and exploitation.

3.    The right to dignity and independence.

4.    The right to services of an appropriate standard.

5.    The right to effective communication.

6.    The right to be fully informed.

7.    The right to make an informed choice and give informed consent.

8.    The right to support.

9.    Rights in respect of teaching or research.

10. The right to complain.

All staff are expected to take reasonable actions in all circumstances to give effect to the rights and comply with the duties in the Code.

At the commencement of employment, we will provide each staff member with a copy of the principles of the Code and our complaints policy as part of their induction training.

Our clinic has a Privacy Officer who is responsible for:

1.      Ensuring that the clinic complies with the Privacy Act, the Health Information Privacy Code, and the Employment Relations Act in relation to employees and clients.

2.      Dealing with requests made to the clinic about personal or employment information.

3.      Working with the Privacy Commissioner or investigating officer should the need arise.

4.      Monitoring privacy issues and acting on feedback from clients and staff.

5.      4 yearly review of data collection requirements to ensure continued relevance and appropriateness.

Guidelines

Staff are required to have a working knowledge of the Code and to comply with the policy in every interaction with clients.

Privacy and Dignity

This clinic is committed to respecting the personal privacy and dignity of each client in line with the Code: Right 1 (right to be treated with respect), Right 2 (right to freedom from discrimination, coercion, harassment, and exploitation) and Right 3 (right to dignity and independence).

Privacy refers to freedom from intrusion and relates to all information and practice that is personal or sensitive in nature to an individual.  Dignity is being worthy of respect.

Client records contain information which is highly personal and sensitive in nature.  It is important that the practitioner and other staff respect the right of individual privacy and confidentiality by ensuring steps are in place to facilitate appropriate use, access, and storage of records.

It is the responsibility of the designated Privacy Officer to ensure that the clinic complies with the Privacy Act and the Health Information Privacy Code.

On-going training regarding privacy and confidentiality is provided for staff as appropriate.

Consumer Rights

The Health and Disability Commissioner Act was passed in 1994.  Its purpose is: "To promote and protect the rights of health consumers and disability services consumers, and, to that end, to facilitate the fair, simple, speedy, and efficient resolution of complaints relating to infringements of those rights."

Coordination of a client’s health needs across all providers is important for quality of care.  This is especially important for clients with long-term chronic conditions.

The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights (1996) set up a process for dealing with complaints about alleged breaches of these rights.

Staff must be familiar with, and comply with, their obligations as specified by the Code.  Staff are required to have a working knowledge of the Code and the complaints process.