Here’s an outline of how Heartfelt Support values your privacy.
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1. Introduction
At Heartfelt Support, we are committed to protecting and managing your personal information with the utmost care. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This policy applies to current and potential clients, their carers, and family members.
2. Definitions
– **Personal Information:** Any recorded information or opinion, including images, that can identify an individual, regardless of its truthfulness.
– **Sensitive Information:** Information or opinions concerning an individual’s racial or ethnic origin, political affiliations, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, sexual preference, or criminal record.
– **Health Information:** Any information or opinion regarding the physical, mental, or psychological health of an individual.
– **Information Privacy:** Refers to the control over the collection, use, disclosure, and disposal of personal information, as well as the individual’s right to determine how their personal information is managed.
3. Our Commitment
Heartfelt Support is dedicated to the transparent management of personal and health information. We ensure that our practices align with the Australian Privacy Principles and are committed to protecting your privacy at all times.
4. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal information:
– Name
– Date of birth
– Gender
– Current and previous addresses
– Residency status
– Telephone numbers and email addresses
-Information about your disability provided by to us by you
– Medical history and other health information provided by to us by you
**Methods of Collection:**
– Directly from you (orally or in writing).
– From third parties, including medical practitioners, government agencies, or client representatives.
– From client referrals and publicly available sources.
5. How We Use Your Information
Your personal information is used for the following purposes:
– To assess and provide appropriate services.
– To administer and manage the services we offer.
– To evaluate and improve our services.
– To contribute to research initiatives.
– To communicate with family members or other relevant parties as needed.
– To comply with obligations under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
6. Consent
We require your consent to collect and use your personal information. Consent must be:
– **Voluntary:** You must be free to make a genuine choice.
– **Informed:** You should understand what you are consenting to.
– **Specific:** Consent must relate to a specific purpose.
– **Current:** You can change or revoke your consent at any time.
At the beginning of our service, you will receive a Client Consent Form, which must be signed and securely stored in your client file.
7. Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access. Our security measures include:
– Secure storage of electronic and hard-copy materials.
– Archiving processes for client files, ensuring confidential storage and proper destruction when no longer needed.
In the event of a privacy breach, we will act promptly to rectify the situation in accordance with our policies.
8. Updating Your Information
To ensure your personal information is accurate and relevant, we encourage you to update us whenever your details change.
– There will be no charge for correcting your personal information.
– If we have shared your information with third parties, we will take reasonable steps to inform them of any changes.
9. Accessing Personal Information
You have the right to request access to your personal information. To do so:
– Submit a request to the Managing Director, specifying the information you wish to access and your preferred means of access.
– You will receive a response within 30 days. If access is denied, we will provide reasons and inform you of your rights to appeal the decision.
10. Complaints and Concerns
If you have questions or concerns about our privacy practices, please contact the Managing Director at care@heartfeltsupport.com.au. We will investigate your complaint and respond promptly.
Should your concerns not be resolved, you may escalate the matter to:
– **Office of the Australian Information Commissioner:**
– Complete a privacy complaint form [online](https://forms.business.gov.au/smartforms/landing.htm?formCode=APC_PC).
– Send written complaints to:
– Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
GPO Box 5218
Sydney, NSW 2001
– For more information, visit [oaic.gov.au](https://www.oaic.gov.au/individuals/how-do-i-make-a-privacy-complaint).
For complaints related to services under the NDIS, you may contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission at:
– **Web:** [ndiscommission.gov.au](https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/)
– **Email:** feedback@ndis.gov.au
– **Phone:** 1800 035 544 (free call from landlines) or TTY 133 677.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be communicated to you through our website and will be effective immediately upon posting.
12. Contact Information
For any inquiries regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
**Heartfelt Support**
u7 112-114 Bains Road,
Morphett Vale, SA 5162
**Email:** care@heartfeltsupport.com.au