Privacy Policy
Michelle Elise Shiatsu is committed to providing quality services to you. This policy outlines our ongoing obligations to you in respect of how we manage your Personal Information.
We have adopted the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Privacy Act), the Code of Conduct and Health Privacy Principles.
The APPs govern the way in which we collect, use, disclose, store, secure and dispose of your Personal Information.
A copy of the Australian Privacy Principles may be obtained from the website of The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at www.aoic.gov.au
The Code of Conduct governs our ethical practice and can be found at:
https://hcc.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/code_of_conduct_full_text_a3_poster.pdf
A copy of the Health Privacy Principles can be found at:
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/149222/health-privacy-principles.pdf
What is Personal Information and why do we collect it?
Personal Information is any information or opinion that identifies an individual. Examples of Personal Information we collect include: names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers and information about your health.
Personal health information, such as medical history and current health conditions, will be obtained through an intake form as well as during in person or phone consultations. During a consultation we will record findings from various diagnosis techniques including asking questions relative to your health and wellbeing, taking your pulse, palpating your hara (abdominal region) and making observations of your tongue and physical appearance.
Personal Information will also be obtained through email correspondence, facsimile, third parties and via our website www.michelleeliseshiatsu.com.au. Third parties may include referrals from other health professionals. We don’t guarantee website links or policy of authorised third parties.
We value your privacy and collect your Personal Information for the primary purpose of forming an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan when providing our services to you. We may also use your Personal Information for secondary purposes closely related to the primary purpose, in circumstances where you would reasonably expect such use or disclosure. Secondary purposes may include referrals to other health services with your consent.
When we collect Personal Information we will, where appropriate and where possible, explain to you why we are collecting the information and how we plan to use it.
If you choose to sign up to our mailing list you may unsubscribe at any time by clicking unsubscribe at the bottom of the email or contacting us by phone or in writing.
Sensitive Information
Sensitive information is defined in the Privacy Act to include information or opinion about such things as an individual's racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a political association, religious or philosophical beliefs, membership of a trade union or other professional body, criminal record or health information.
Sensitive information will be used by us only:
• For the primary purpose of forming an appropriate treatment plan for you
• For a secondary purpose that is directly related to the primary purpose such as referral to another health service.
• With your consent; or where required or authorised by law.
Third Parties
Where reasonable and practicable to do so, we will collect your Personal Information only from you. However, in some circumstances we may be provided with information by third parties, for example, by your doctor or other complementary health practitioner. In such a case we will take reasonable steps to ensure that you are made aware of the information provided to us by the third party in the instance of referrals from other health professionals. Any unsolicited information that may be received from third parties will not be used or recorded.
Disclosure of Personal Information
Your Personal Information may be disclosed in a number of circumstances including the following:
• Third parties where you consent to the use or disclosure; and
• Where required or authorised by law.
In the event of a referral to an overseas health service provider your Personal Information can be shared with a service whose Privacy Policies align with the policies outlined in this document. Your Personal Information will only be shared with your consent and will be sent in a password protected document via email to your specified health service provider.
Security of Personal Information
Your Personal Information is stored in a manner that reasonably protects it from misuse and loss as well as from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.
Written records containing Personal Information will be stored in a locked filing cabinet which is only accessible by your practitioner. All electronic records will be stored on a password protected drive.
Records will be kept by us for a minimum of 7 years. After which time, if your Personal Information is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was obtained, we will take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify your Personal Information.
Access to your Personal Information
You may access the Personal Information we hold about you, update and/or correct it, subject to certain exceptions. If you wish to access your Personal Information, please contact us in writing. Michelle Elise Shiatsu will not charge any fee for your access request but may charge an administrative fee for providing a copy of your Personal Information. In order to protect your Personal Information we may require identification from you before releasing the requested information.
Maintaining the Quality of your Personal Information
It is important to us that your Personal Information is up to date. We will take reasonable steps to make sure that your Personal Information is accurate, complete and up-to-date. If you find that the information we have is not up to date or is inaccurate, please advise us as soon as practicable so we can update our records and ensure we can continue to provide quality services to you.
Policy Updates
This Policy may change from time to time and is available on our website.
Privacy Policy Complaints and Enquiries
If you have any complaints regarding your practitioner, privacy breaches or service provided you can contact your practitioner or the clinic via email, telephone or written communication -details are provided below.
Michelle Elise Shiatsu is committed to constantly reviewing and improving our services and we welcome your feedback. All feedback is valued and we welcome the opportunity for growth. We will endeavour to resolve your complaint in a timely and professional manner.
If you have any complaints regarding a breach of Code of Conduct you may wish to contact the Health Complaints Commission or the Shiatsu Therapy Association of Australia. Complaints to the Health Complaints Commission need to made within 12 months of receiving a service.
If you have any queries or complaints about our Privacy Policy please contact us at: