Privacy Policy and Code of Conduct

Commitment to Privacy and Conduct

At Appetite for Nutrition, we are dedicated to providing quality services while safeguarding your Personal Information and upholding the highest standards of professional conduct. This policy outlines our ongoing obligations in managing your data and ensuring ethical behavior.

Compliance with Australian Privacy Principles

We adhere to the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) as outlined in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). These principles govern how we collect, use, disclose, store, secure, and dispose of your Personal Information. For more details, visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

Personal Information: Collection and Purpose

What is Personal Information? Personal Information identifies an individual, such as names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers.

Collection Methods We collect this information through various means, including phone, email, our website, and cookies. We do not guarantee the privacy policies of authorized third parties.

Purpose of Collection We collect Personal Information primarily to provide our services, share information, and for marketing purposes. Secondary uses closely related to the primary purpose may occur where reasonably expected. You can unsubscribe from our marketing lists anytime by contacting us in writing.

Sensitive Information

Sensitive information, as defined by the Privacy Act, includes details like racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, and health information. This information is used only for the primary purpose, a directly related secondary purpose, with your consent, or as required by law.

Third-Party Information

We prefer to collect Personal Information directly from you. However, if third parties provide us with your information, we will take reasonable steps to inform you.

Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose your Personal Information in the following circumstances:

• With your consent.
• As required or authorized by law.

Security and Retention

We take reasonable steps to protect your Personal Information from misuse, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. When no longer needed, we will destroy or de-identify your information, although client files are typically retained for a minimum of 7 years.

Access and Correction

You have the right to access and correct your Personal Information, subject to certain exceptions. To access your information, contact us in writing. We do not charge for access requests but may impose an administrative fee for copies of your information. Identification may be required to release the information.

Maintaining Information Quality

We strive to keep your Personal Information accurate and up-to-date. Please notify us of any changes so we can update our records and continue providing quality services.

Code of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct serves as a guiding framework for the behaviour and conduct expected of all staff members. It integrates our core principles and values with the requirements of the NDIS Code of Conduct to ensure a comprehensive approach to professional conduct and service delivery.

Key components include:

• Honesty and Integrity: Acting with honesty, integrity, and transparency in all professional dealings.
• Respect and Dignity: Treating all individuals with respect, dignity, and compassion.
• Respect for Individual Rights: Upholding individual rights to freedom of expression, self-determination, and decision-making.
• Confidentiality: Adhering to strict confidentiality protocols for client information.
• Professionalism: Maintaining professional standards and continually improving knowledge and skills.
• Safety and Competence: Providing supports and services in a safe and competent manner.
• Prevention of Harm: Taking steps to prevent and respond to violence, exploitation, neglect, and abuse.

By adhering to this Code of Conduct, we ensure a safe, respectful, and professional environment for both clients and staff.

Confidentiality Policy

Our Confidentiality Policy outlines the procedures and protocols for safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of client information.

Key elements include:

• Data Collection: Collecting only necessary information with informed consent.
• Data Storage: Storing client information securely in Halaxy (EHR) systems.
• Data Sharing: Sharing information only with those involved in care, with client consent.
• Data Retention: Retaining and securely disposing of information according to legal requirements.

Professional Boundaries Policy

Our Professional Boundaries Policy establishes clear guidelines for maintaining appropriate boundaries in client relationships.

Key elements include:

• Dual Relationships: Prohibiting dual relationships that compromise professionalism.
• Physical Boundaries: Maintaining appropriate physical boundaries with clients.
• Emotional Boundaries: Balancing empathy with professional detachment.
• Communication Boundaries: Communicating clearly and professionally.

Conflict of Interest Policy

Our Conflict of Interest Policy outlines procedures for identifying, disclosing, and managing conflicts of interest.

Key elements include:

• Disclosure: Requiring staff to disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
• Assessment: Evaluating conflicts on a case-by-case basis.
• Management: Implementing measures to mitigate risks.

Data Protection and Privacy Policy

We highly value the trust our clients place in us to safeguard their privacy and protect their personal information. To honor this trust, we’ve developed and refined our security practices and processes.

Our Platforms

Practice Management System – Halaxy

• Security Controls: Unique usernames, strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and restricted access.
• Access Audits: Regular audits to ensure compliance with security protocols.

Video Consultation Platform – Coviu

• Security Measures: Encrypted sessions, no central server data storage, and soundproof consultation locations.

Office Support Platform – Google Drive

• Security Measures: Strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and restricted use for administrative documents only.

These security measures underscore our commitment to protecting client information and maintaining the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality across all aspects of our practice.

Policy Updates

This policy may be updated periodically and is available on our website.

Contact Us

For any queries or complaints about our Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

• Email: info@appetitefornutrition.com.au
• Phone: 0491 169 399