Privacy of Consumer Information

Information Management

Purpose

To comply with the Victorian Health Records Act 2001, Victorian Information Privacy Act 2014, Federal Privacy Act 1988.

Scope

All Staff

Policy

Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information is recognised as fundamental to the provision of safe and effective consumer care. However, safe and effective consumer care often requires the transfer of information between health care professionals and health care facilities. This transfer of information must be balanced with the organisation’s duty of care and requirement of security, and the consumer’s right to privacy. The following policy aims to achieve this balance.

Security

All consumer information is to be kept secure without public or other unauthorised staff access by those persons who are not directly associated with the care of the client.

Verbal Information

Staff members are required to establish the identity of the inquirer and the authority of the request before providing verbal information.

Electronic Consumer Information

Access to consumer data stored on computers is to be strictly controlled. Passwords are to be kept confidential and must not be available to, or used by, anyone else other than the registered user. Personal information will be collected directly from the individual concerned or their authorised representative.

Kyabram District Health Service (KDHS) will collect personal information if it is relevant to a purpose connected with a function or activity of the organisation.

At point of entry to KDHS, every consumer will be provided with information in regard to the collection, disclosure and use of information.

Consumer information refers to any information which may identify a consumer or which relates to a consumer’s involvement with KDHS. This includes, but is not limited to, verbal information, the medical record or other service record and any documents held within it, Health Service attendances, consumer lists, consumer accounts, electronic information, other media, and any other information relating to an individual consumer

Consumer Education

Consumers will be given information about this policy and its application to themselves. Key Aligned Documents Use, Disclosure and Security of Consumer Information Procedure Transmission of Consumer Information Procedure Retention and Destruction of Consumer Information Procedure Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights Confidentiality Agreement

Key Aligned Documents

Use, Disclosure and Security of Consumer Information Procedure

Transmission of Consumer Information Procedure

Retention and Destruction of Consumer Information Procedure

Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights

Confidentiality Agreement

Key Legislation, Acts & Standards

References

N/A

Author/Contributors

Role Date Name Position
Author
Reviewer March 2016 Lisa Drysdale Health Information Manager
March 2020 Lisa Drysdale Health Information Manager
May 2024 Lisa Drysdale Health Information Manager
Committee/s 7/04/2016 Senior Management Team

Keywords

Privacy
Confidentiality