NHAA Practitioner Privacy Policy
(Modified from the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000)

As a fully accredited member of the National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA), I support good privacy practices and comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) in regard to all information received from my clients (hereinafter referred to as “clients”).

1. Collection of Personal Information

In collecting personal information about clients, I will ensure the following:

• Clients have access to my full contact details and the contact details of my practice;

• Clients can gain access to the information collected about them;

• I will only collect personal information necessary to perform my role as a qualified naturopath;

• Clients will be informed of any information collected from a third party, where applicable, in accordance with privacy legislation.

Information collected may include:

• Name, address, contact details, date of birth and occupation;

• Medical history, family history, presenting complaint(s), previous treatments, medications, allergies, and lifestyle factors;

• Results from pathology tests or other investigations.

This information may be collected via in-person or telehealth consultations, intake forms, and/or communication through Cliniko, a secure practice management software.

2. Use and Disclosure of Personal Information

Client information is collected to establish an accurate, comprehensive record to support safe and effective treatment. I will only use personal information for the purpose for which it was collected, or as permitted or required by law.

With client consent, information may be shared:

• With other healthcare practitioners directly involved in their care;

• With RIS Health, an associated practitioner/clinic with whom I collaborate to support client outcomes.

All information shared with other parties will be disclosed respectfully and only with prior client permission, unless legally required otherwise.

3. Quality and Security of Data

I will take all reasonable steps to ensure that:

• Personal information collected is accurate, complete and up-to-date;

• Information is stored securely through encrypted platforms such as Cliniko;

• Personal information no longer required is destroyed securely or de-identified, in line with National Privacy Principle 2.

4. Openness

This privacy policy is made available to all clients and is provided prior to the first consultation. On request, I can supply further details regarding the type of information held, the reasons for its collection, and how it is managed and secured.

5. Access and Correction

Clients are entitled to request access to their own health records and may request corrections to ensure accuracy. If access is denied under permitted legal circumstances, clients will be provided with written reasons for the refusal.

6. Identifiers

I do not adopt government-issued identifiers (such as Medicare or DVA numbers) for my own records, except where required by law.

7. Anonymity

Wherever lawful and practicable, clients have the right to be dealt with anonymously. However, anonymity may limit the ability to provide comprehensive naturopathic care.

8. Transborder Data Flows

I do not transfer client information outside Australia without the express written consent of the client, unless required or permitted by law.

9. Sensitive Information

Sensitive health information (including mental health, sexual health, cultural background, etc.) is only collected with client consent, or where required by law. This information is handled with the highest level of confidentiality and respect.