Privacy, Dignity and Confidentiality Policy
Purpose: In providing services for clients, Eyes for Life Canberra (EFLC) shall respect the right of each client to privacy and dignity and shall ensure that all materials and information exchanged are treated in a confidential manner.
Introduction: EFLC is committed to providing support that recognises and respects the human rights of people we support (clients), including their right to privacy and to make choices. We are committed to protecting the privacy of other key stakeholders such as families and carers, staff, and volunteers.
Scope: This policy applies to employees, clients, students, and volunteers on the collection, storing, using, or disclosing of individuals information on behalf of EFLC.
Policy Statement: EFLC shall ensure clients and staff are aware of their rights and responsibilities concerning privacy and confidentiality. EFLC shall incorporate the provisions of the Privacy (Private Sector) Amendment Act 2000 into EFLC policy and procedures.
Procedures
1. EFLC shall only collect personal information that is necessary for its services and shall only use lawful and fair means to collect this information.
2. EFLC shall ensure that the use and disclosure of personal information is only for the primary purpose for which it was collected.
3. EFLC shall confirm that the client’s or staff member’s consent is given in writing when information is used or disclosed to a third person.
4. EFLC shall ensure that the personal information it collects, uses, or discloses is accurate, complete and up to date.
5. EFLC shall take responsibility that personal information is protected from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or inappropriate disclosure.
6. EFLC shall foster openness towards the public by providing general information on collection, storage, use and disclosure of personal information.
7. EFLC shall ensure that clients and staff have the right to access personal information held about themselves.
8. EFLC shall ensure the clients a general right of anonymity when accessing services.
9. Where consent to disclose information is given in accordance with point 3, EFLC shall ensure that the organisations and individuals to which it discloses information follow a similar privacy policy to that of EFLC.
10. The dignity of the individual will always be respected.
Relative Documents
Advocacy Policy
Complaints Policy
Informed Consent Policy
Referral Policy
Service Exit Policy
Services Access Policy
Legislative context
