About this policy
This policy explains how OWL Psychological Services Australia Pty Ltd collects, holds, uses and discloses personal information. Health information is sensitive information and receives additional protection under Australian privacy law.
Information OWL may collect
Information may include your name, contact and identity details; referral and appointment information; health, developmental, family, educational and occupational history; assessment responses and results; clinical notes and reports; billing information; and communications with the practice.
How information is collected
Information is usually collected directly from you during telephone calls, appointments, forms and correspondence. With your consent, or where otherwise permitted by law, OWL may also receive relevant information from a parent or guardian, partner or family member, referrer, school, employer or another health professional.
Why information is used
OWL uses information to respond to contact, assess suitability, provide psychological services, maintain clinical records, communicate with agreed people, prepare reports, manage accounts, support safety and quality, and meet legal and professional responsibilities. If relevant information is not provided, OWL may be unable to determine suitability or provide the requested service safely.
Disclosure
Information is not sold. It may be disclosed with your consent for the agreed purpose, including to a referrer or another professional involved in care. Information may also be disclosed where required or authorised by law, or where necessary to respond to a serious threat to life, health or safety. Assessment reports are shared according to consent and the agreed report purpose.
Service providers and overseas processing
OWL may use contracted providers for clinical administration, secure communication, payments, accounting, document storage and other practice functions. Some providers may store or process information outside Australia. Where this applies, OWL takes reasonable steps required by privacy law. Contact OWL for current information about relevant providers and likely overseas locations.
Security and retention
OWL takes reasonable administrative, physical and technical steps to protect information from loss, misuse, interference and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. Records are retained for periods required by legal and professional obligations, then securely destroyed or de-identified when appropriate.
Website and email
The general contact form is hosted by Caalano Systems and submits the details you enter to OWL’s enquiry database. Caalano may receive technical information and form data in accordance with its privacy policy. Use the form only for contact details and a brief enquiry; do not include reports or detailed clinical information. The supervision form prepares an email in your own email application and is not stored by this website. The embedded Google map may receive technical information in accordance with Google’s privacy practices.
Access and correction
You may request access to personal information OWL holds about you or ask for it to be corrected. Contact the practice by telephone, email or post. OWL may need to verify your identity. Access can be limited in circumstances permitted by law; if a request is refused, OWL will explain the reason and available complaint options where required.
Privacy complaints
Contact OWL using the details on this page and describe your concern. The practice will review the matter and respond within a reasonable period. If you are not satisfied, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
Questions
Call 0407 421 540 or email admin@owl-psa.com.au if you have a privacy question or need this information in another format.