Our Policy Principles

At Functional Patterns Sunshine Coast, we aim to ensure that all information collected, used or disclosed is accurate, complete, up-to-date, and has been collected from individuals or other reputable sources.

Collection of information via:

• Patient registration forms

• Online enquiry through our website

• Telephone, text messages, and email enquiry or complaint

• Third Party Government agencies e.g: DVA; Medicare

• Private Health Insurers

• Solicitors, lawyers and Workers Compensation companies

• Medical professionals eg: GP, Specialist, Dentist, allied Health professionals

Information may include:

• Name

• Date of Birth

• Mailing and street address

• Email address

• Contact telephone numbers

• Health fund details

• Medicare number and reference on card

• Medical & surgical history

• Occupation/Employer/Lifestyle

• Any information that relates to you, that you provide to us directly through our website, email, written letters, phone conversations, history-taking, surveys, and forms.

Should a client choose not to provide the requested information, we advise that this may limit our ability to provide relevant services to them and may therefore adversely affect their treatment and rehabilitation.

Security
Your information is electronically stored, and password protected. It is only accessible to authorised personnel. Unauthorised disclosure of, or access to personal information by our employees or contractors will be viewed as a serious breach of our policy, resulting in disciplinary or legal action if appropriate.

We will always seek your consent first should we need to disclose information about you to others involved in your health care. Information gathered is sometimes used to help improve the treatment and service we provide; however the data is de-identified to protect the privacy of our clients, in accordance with the Privacy Act and as required by law.

Information recorded on paper will be scanned to the individual’s electronic file and then shredded. Electronic records are archived when no longer needed, then destroyed after 7 years according to APPs 2014.

Clients may request to access their file within a reasonable time frame, however sometimes access may be denied in accordance with the exemptions contained in the Privacy Act.

Disclosure of Information
We may use or disclose your health information:

• For the main reason it was collected

• If the client gives specific consent to the proposed use or disclosure

• If it is necessary for a referral to another health provider

• For billing or debt recovery purposes

• To report an adverse event to an insurer

• To a lawyer for the defence of legal proceedings

• For quality assurance or clinical audit activities in order to improve our service.

Exceptions include:

• Mandatory disclosure required or authorised by law, such as instance of child abuse or the diagnosis of a communicable disease.

• Necessary disclosure to manage a threat to someone’s life, health or safety

• Disclosures for research provided certain conditions are met such as de-identification of information.

Our policy is reviewed and updated when necessary. Last updated 1st July 2024.