Privacy Policy

Our Commitment to Protecting Your Privacy
Hobart Allied Health Pty Ltd (trading as Hobart Speech Pathology and associated services) is an allied health practice providing speech pathology and related services to adults in Tasmania. We place the highest priority on responsible privacy practices. We collect, use, and store only the minimum personal information necessary to provide safe and effective care. We do not collect unnecessary information, do not sell or disclose your information for marketing purposes, and do not use or disclose it for any secondary purposes without your explicit consent. We comply fully with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This policy is regularly reviewed and updated. The latest version is always available on our website: hobartspeechpathology.au.

What is Personal Information?

Personal information is any information or opinion about an identified or reasonably identifiable individual. This includes sensitive health information, which we protect with the highest standards.

Sensitive information is a subset of personal information that includes health information and is subject to additional protections under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). As a health service provider, most of the information we collect is sensitive health information. We apply the highest standards of care and security to all personal information we hold.

What Personal Information Do We Collect and Why?
We collect only the minimum information required to provide safe, effective allied health services and manage your care. This may include:

• Basic contact and identification details (e.g., name, date of birth, address, phone, email, occupation)
• Emergency contacts or next-of-kin (where relevant for your care)
• Relevant health information (e.g., medical history, assessment results, treatment notes)
• Referrer details (e.g., health professional, NDIS Coordinator of Supports)
• Funding and billing details, where applicable (e.g., Private health insurance details, or NDIS participant number, plan goals, and budget information for service coordination and claiming)

We collect this information to:

• Deliver and coordinate your care
• Communicate with you or other providers involved in your treatment (with your consent)
• Process payments or claims through private health insurers, or the NDIS
• Meet legal and professional obligations 

How Do We Collect Personal Information?
We collect information from you wherever possible, such as:

• During consultations
• Through streamlined intake forms
• Via phone or email

With your consent, we may also collect from third parties (e.g., referrers, other health professionals).

Website Collection
Our website uses minimal functional cookies (if any) only to enable basic features like form submissions or appointment booking. We do not use analytics, tracking, or advertising cookies.

How Do We Use and Disclose Personal Information?
We use your information for the primary purpose of providing your care and directly related purposes you would reasonably expect (e.g., billing, quality assurance using de-identified data where possible). 

Disclosures are strictly limited and may include:

• Treating practitioners or staff (bound by confidentiality)
• Other health professionals involved in your care
• Funding bodies for claims

Speech pathology students working under direct supervision are bound by the same confidentiality and privacy obligations as our qualified staff.

We do not engage in direct marketing, or use your information for promotional purposes. We do not share information for research, teaching, audits, or secondary uses without your explicit consent.

Photos, Audio, or Video Recordings
If we take any photos, video recordings, audio recordings, or similar, these are stored securely within our Australian-based practice management system and used only for your direct care, with your consent.

Overseas Disclosure
We do not disclose personal information overseas. All data is stored and processed within Australia.

Security and Data Breaches
We implement robust physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect your information from misuse, interference, loss, or unauthorised access. As a mobile practice, we maintain secure digital systems and strict staff protocols. In the unlikely event of a data breach likely to cause serious harm, we will promptly notify you and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) as required.

Retention of Records
We retain your records only as long as necessary for your care and to meet legal requirements (at least 7 years from your last contact). After this, records are securely destroyed or de-identified.

Access and Correction
You have the right to access and correct your personal information. Requests should be made in writing to the Manager. We will respond promptly (usually within 30 days), verify your identity, and provide access securely (e.g., in person, via registered post, or other secure electronic means). Access is provided free of charge except where extensive copying or postage costs apply (we will advise any reasonable fees in advance). We do not send sensitive information via unencrypted email.

Anonymity
Where practicable, you may interact with us anonymously or by pseudonym (e.g., initial enquiries), except where identification is required for safe care or by law.

Complaints
If you have concerns about your privacy, please contact the Manager – we will investigate thoroughly and respond promptly. If unsatisfied, you may escalate to the OAIC (www.oaic.gov.au or 1300 363 992).

Changes to this Policy
We may update this policy and will post changes on our website with the new effective date.

Contact Us
For privacy questions, access requests, or complaints:

Privacy Contact: The Manager
Hobart Allied Health Pty Ltd
Email via website contact form below: