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Privacy Policy

  

1. Our Commitment to Your Privacy

PALS Speech Pathology is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information.

We comply with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), other privacy laws that apply to health service providers, and Speech Pathology Australia’s Code of Ethics (2010).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your personal information, including health information.

2. How We Handle Your Personal Information

2.1 Why We Collect Information

To provide speech pathology services, we need to collect and use personal and health information.
If you choose not to provide certain information, or if the information is incomplete or inaccurate, we may not be able to provide services to you.

2.2 What Information We Collect

We only collect information that is necessary to provide our services and manage our relationship with you.

This may include:

  • Your name, date of birth, address, and contact details

  • Health fund details

  • Information about your health history and family history

This information helps our speech pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat you appropriately.

2.3 How We Collect Information

We usually collect information directly from you.
In some cases, we may collect information from third parties such as:

  • A family member or guardian

  • Another health professional involved in your care

2.4 How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

  • Provide speech pathology services

  • Manage our relationship with you

  • Contact you about appointments, care, or follow-up

We may also use your information for other purposes permitted under the Privacy Act 1988.

2.5 Who We May Share Your Information With

We may share your information only when necessary, including with:

(a) Other Health Professionals

Your information is usually used only by the speech pathologist providing your care.
If your care involves other health professionals (such as occupational therapists or psychologists), we may share relevant information with them to support your treatment.

(b) Referrers

We usually send a discharge summary or relevant updates to your referrer (such as your GP).
If you do not want information shared with your referrer, you must let us know.

(c) Family, Guardians, or Support People

We may share information with parents, guardians, close family members, or a responsible person unless you tell us not to.

(d) Other Necessary Uses

We may use or share information where required for:

  • Quality assurance, accreditation, audits, and training

  • Billing, invoicing, and account management

  • Liaising with health funds, Medicare, or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs

  • Appointment reminders and follow-up communications by SMS or email

(e) Other Uses With Your Consent

With your express consent, we may use your information for purposes such as:

  • Marketing communications

  • Research

We will not use your information this way without your consent.
We do not disclose your personal information to anyone outside Australia.

2.6 Accessing and Correcting Your Information

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal and health information we hold about you

  • Request corrections if you believe the information is inaccurate

If we do not agree to make a change, you may provide a written statement which will be added to your record.

To request access or corrections, please contact our Privacy Officer.
We may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of records.

2.7 Data Quality

We take reasonable steps to ensure your personal information is accurate, complete, and up to date.

2.8 Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your information from:

  • Misuse or loss

  • Unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure

This includes physical security, access controls, encryption, and secure systems.

When information is no longer needed, we will securely destroy or permanently de-identify it, unless we are legally required to retain it.

2.9 Privacy Concerns or Complaints

You may contact us if:

  • You have questions about this Privacy Policy

  • You are unhappy with how we handle your information

  • You are denied access to your information

We will investigate and respond promptly.

2.10 Contact Details

Privacy Officer
Email: pals.speech.therapy@gmail.com

3. Website Privacy

3.1 Information Collected Through Our Website

When you visit our website, we do not try to identify you unless you choose to provide information.

We may collect personal information if you:

  • Submit an enquiry

  • Sign up for newsletters

  • Contact us via email or online forms

Our internet service provider may collect non-identifying data such as:

  • Your IP address

  • Browser type

  • Pages visited

  • Date and time of access

This information is used for website performance and statistics only.

3.2 Cookies

Our website uses temporary cookies to improve functionality.
Cookies do not identify you personally and are deleted when you close your browser.

You can adjust your browser settings to manage cookies, but some website features may not work properly if cookies are disabled.

3.3 Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites.

3.4 Use of Website Information

Any personal information collected through our website is handled in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

 

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