Privacy and Consent

1. Introduction and Purpose

This document serves to inform you, the client (or their legal guardian if applicable), about the policies and practices of Our Sensory Nest ("the Clinic") regarding the collection, use, storage, and disclosure of your personal and sensitive information. This document pertains to all individuals receiving allied health services, whether funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or as private clients

2. Legal and Ethical Framework

The Clinic is committed to upholding the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality, in accordance with the following legislative and ethical guidelines:

  • Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)

  • National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth)

  • NDIS Code of Conduct

  • Professional codes of conduct for allied health practitioners

3. Definitions

  • Personal Information: Information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable, whether the information or opinion is true or not, and whether the information or opinion is recorded in a material form or not.

  • Sensitive Information: A subset of personal information that includes health information, racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, sexual orientation or practices, or criminal record.

  • Client: An individual receiving allied health services from the Clinic, either through NDIS funding or private payment.

4. Collection of Information

The Clinic collects personal and sensitive information to provide appropriate and effective allied health services. The types of information collected may include:

  • Full name, date of birth, and contact details (address, telephone number, email)

  • NDIS participant number (if applicable)

  • Medical history, current health status, and medication details

  • Disability information, support needs, and assistive technology requirements

  • Information regarding goals, preferences, and daily living skills

  • Reports and assessments from other healthcare professionals

  • Billing and payment information

  • Other information relevant to the provision of allied health services

5. Use and Purpose of Information

The information collected is used for the following purposes:

  • Assessment of client needs and development of individualised support plans

  • Delivery of allied health services and therapeutic interventions

  • Communication with the client, authorised representatives, and other involved parties (with consent)

  • Administration of billing and financial transactions (NDIS funding or private payments)

  • Reporting to the NDIA (if applicable) or other regulatory bodies as legally required

  • Quality assurance, service evaluation, and risk management

  • Internal training and professional development (de-identified where possible)

6. Disclosure of Information

The Clinic may disclose personal and sensitive information in the following circumstances:

  • To other healthcare professionals involved in the client's care, with explicit consent.

  • To the NDIA, as mandated by the NDIS Act 2013 (if applicable).

  • To authorised representatives (e.g., legal guardians, support coordinators), with explicit consent.

  • To other service providers involved in coordinating the client's support, with explicit consent.

  • To government agencies or law enforcement bodies when legally compelled to do so.

  • In circumstances where there is a serious threat to the health or safety of the client or others.

7. Data Security and Storage

The Clinic implements robust measures to protect client information from unauthorised access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

  • Secure electronic storage systems with access controls and encryption

  • Secure physical storage of paper records

  • Staff training on privacy and confidentiality protocols

  • Regular review and updating of security procedures

8. Access and Correction of Information

Clients have the right to:

  • Access their personal information held by the Clinic at any time.

  • Request limits on how your information is shared and used.

  • Request how and where we communicate with them

  • Request correction of any inaccuracies in their personal information.

  • Be informed if there is a breach of confidentiality

  • Request a physical copy of this notice at any time

Requests for access or correction should be made in writing to the Clinic's Practice Manager (contact details below).

9. Withdrawal of Consent

Clients may withdraw their consent for the collection, use, or disclosure of their personal information at any time. Withdrawal of consent must be provided in writing. Please note that withdrawing consent may impact the Clinic's ability to provide services and may have implications for NDIS funding (if applicable).

10. Complaints

If you have any concerns about the handling of your personal information, please contact the Clinic's Practice Manager. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

11. Contact Information

Our Sensory Nest

0408511851

support@oursensorynest.com