Privacy Policy for The Shifa Naturopathic Clinic

 Effective Date: 17/01/2024

 Here at the The Shifa Naturopathic Clinic we are committed to ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of your personal and health information. This Privacy and Confidentiality Policy outlines how we handle, protect, and maintain the confidentiality of the information you provide to us.

1. Confidentiality of Health Information

 Professional Obligation: Our practitioners are bound by professional and ethical standards that require the utmost confidentiality of your health information.

 Secure Storage: Your health records are securely stored and accessible only to authorized personnel involved in your care.

 

2. Collection and Use of Personal Information

 Consent: We obtain your consent before collecting any personal or health information and use it solely for the purpose of providing naturopathic services.

 Personal Information: We may collect personal information, including but not limited to, your name, contact details, date of birth, medical history, and other relevant health information.

Collection of sensitive information are only used by methods that are reasonably secure, such as:

·       Through our intake form via Simple Clinic

·       In a tele-health consultation via Simple Clinic or face to face

·       If you choose to send us information via email please note that email may not be sufficiently secure. If the information you choose to share is extremely sensitive, we can explore alternative options for example the options above.

 Payment Information: If applicable, we may collect payment information when you make transactions with us.

 Technical Information: We may automatically collect technical information, such as IP addresses, browser types, and device identifiers, when you interact with our website or online services.

 Limited Access: Access to your information is limited to practitioners and staff directly involved in your care.

 

3. How We Use Your Information

 We use your information for the following purposes:

 Providing Naturopathic Services: To deliver personalised naturopathic care and treatment plans.

 Administrative Purposes: Managing appointments, processing payments, and maintaining records.

 Communication: Sending relevant updates, newsletters, and appointment reminders.

 Legal Compliance: Complying with legal obligations and responding to legal requests.

As a Naturopath I am required to identify clients by collecting their specific details. Failure to provide this information means I cannot offer or may limit my services to you.

4. Disclosure of Information

 Third-Party Disclosure: Security Measures:

At our organisation, we implement robust physical, technical, and administrative measures to safeguard your personal and sensitive information against misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access, modification, and disclosure.

Key elements of our security protocol include:

  • Secure storage of files

  • Limited access to sensitive information, restricted to essential personnel

  • Release of information to service providers only on a need-to-know basis

  • Regular audits of our security systems to ensure effectiveness

Additionally, please note that your information may also be stored with third-party providers, each of whom maintains their own rigorous security policies. During our collaboration, your data may be subject to the security protocols outlined by:

Rest assured, we prioritise the protection of your information at every step of our operations.
We do not disclose your information to third parties without your explicit consent, except as required by law.

Legal disclosure will occur in instances mandated by law or permitted under the Privacy Act. This may include situations where there are reasonable suspicions of unlawful activity or serious misconduct related to our operations, as well as in response to subpoenas, discovery requests, or court orders.

 Healthcare Collaboration: In some cases, we may share information with other healthcare professionals involved in your treatment, ensuring continuity of care.

 

5. Security Measures

 Data Security: We employ industry-standard security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction.

 Staff Training: Our staff is trained on the importance of confidentiality, privacy, and the secure handling of patient information.

 

6. Access to Your Information

 Your Rights: You have the right to access, correct, or request the deletion of your personal and health information. Requests should be submitted in writing.

 

 7. Communication

 Secure Communication: We use secure communication channels to safeguard your information during electronic communication.

8. Record Retention

 Retention Period: We retain your health records for the legally required period and dispose of them securely when no longer needed.

9. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

 Legal Obligations: We adhere to all applicable laws and regulations concerning the privacy and confidentiality of your information.

 

10.  Cookies and Tracking Technologies

 We may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

 

11. Changes to the Privacy Policy

 We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices. Please review it periodically for any updates.

 

12. Contact Us

 If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us via email at Shifanaturopathicclinic@gmail.com or on the phone via +61431520242