To ensure privacy, patient information must not be disclosed in any form (verbally, in writing, electronic forms inside/outside our practice) except for strictly authorised use within the patient care context at our practice or as legally directed. This also includes access to camera surveillance footage.
Health records must be kept where constant staff supervision is easily provided. Personal health information must be kept out of view and must not be accessible by the public.
All patient health information must be considered private and confidential, and therefore must not be disclosed to family, friends, staff or others without the patient’s consent. This information includes medical details, family information, address, employment and other demographic and accounts data obtained via reception.
Any information given to unauthorised personnel will result in disciplinary action, possible dismissal and other legal consequences. Each staff member must sign a confidentiality agreement on commencement of employment.
In addition to Federal legislation, our practice also complies with State or Territory legislation. Care should be taken that individuals cannot see computer screens showing information about other individuals. Screensavers or other methods of protecting information must be engaged.
Access to computerised patient information must be strictly controlled with personal logins and passwords. Staff must not disclose passwords to unauthorised persons. Screens need to be left cleared when information is not being used. Terminals must also be logged off when the computer is left unattended for a significant period of time. Items for the pathology couriers or other pick ups must not be left in public view.
When not in attendance, staff must ensure that prescription pads, prescription computer generated paper, letterhead, scripts, medications, health records and related patient information are out of view. They must also be stored in areas only accessible to authorised persons.
Facsimile, printers and other electronic communication devices must only be accessible to authorised staff.
Camera Surveillance
Camera surveillance operates in this clinic for patient safety and monitoring purposes. Cameras are restricted to waiting rooms and the car park only – areas that are not constantly manned by clinic staff. This is to provide a more thorough monitoring presence should a medical incident occur, and to enhance our clinic and community safety in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld). Footage will only be accessed by persons authorised to do so and is treated with the same privacy principles as our patient medical information.