Privacy Policy

Everyday Communication Speech Pathology (ABN: 28960438065) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal and health information collected from our clients, families, and website visitors.

This policy outlines how we collect, use, manage, and safeguard your information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Health Records Act, and the requirements of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

1. Types of Information We Collect

To provide safe, high-quality speech pathology services, we need to collect relevant personal and health information. This includes:

  • Personal Identity Details: Name, date of birth, contact details (phone, email, address), and emergency contacts.

  • Health & Clinical Data: Medical history, diagnosis details, therapy notes, assessments, reports, and referral information from doctors or specialists.

  • NDIS Details: NDIS participant numbers, plan details, funding management types (Self-Managed or Plan-Managed), and support coordinator contacts.

  • Financial Details: Billing and payment information for processing invoices and Medicare/NDIS claims.

2. How We Collect Information

We collect information directly from you (or your parent/legal guardian) via client intake forms, face-to-face sessions, phone calls, and email communications.

Where necessary for your care, we may also collect information from third parties (e.g., GPs, teachers, occupational therapists, or NDIS plan managers) with your explicit consent.

3. How We Store and Protect Your Data

The security of your clinical records is paramount.

  • Clinical Management System (Halaxy): All client clinical notes, assessments, billing details, and personal records are stored securely within Halaxy, an Australian-compliant practice management system. Halaxy utilizes bank-grade 256-bit SSL encryption, strict access controls, and multi-factor authentication (2FA) in compliance with Australian health data privacy standards.

  • Paper Records: Any physical documents or written clinical notes are digitized directly into Halaxy and destroyed via secure document shredding.

  • Website Data: Our website (everydaycommunication.au) uses SSL encryption. We do not store health records or intake files directly on our website hosting server.

4. Why We Collect and How We Use Your Information

Your information is strictly used to:

  • Provide individualized speech pathology assessment and intervention.

  • Communicate with you regarding appointments, therapy updates, and billing.

  • Fulfill legal, regulatory, and reporting requirements under Speech Pathology Australia guidelines, Medicare, and NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission standards.

  • Process claims through Medicare, private health funds, or NDIS plan managers.

5. Disclosure of Information

We will never sell or share your personal information for marketing purposes. Your information will only be disclosed to third parties under the following circumstances:

  • With Your Consent: Sharing reports or progress notes with schools, pediatricians, doctors, or other allied health professionals involved in your care.

  • Billing & Administration: Providing required invoice line items to NDIS Plan Managers or Medicare for payment processing.

  • Legal Requirements: When required by law (e.g., mandatory reporting, court subpoenas, or NDIS Commission audits).

6. Accessing and Correcting Your Information

You have the right to request access to the personal and health information we hold about you, or to request corrections if you believe the details are inaccurate or out of date.

Requests can be submitted in writing to our Privacy Officer (details below). We will process your request within reasonable timeframes in accordance with Australian legislation.

7. Complaints and Enquiries

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about how your personal information has been handled, please contact us directly:

  • Practice Owner / Privacy Officer: Michael Thomas Green (CPSP)

  • Practice Name: Everyday Communication Speech Pathology

  • ABN: 28960438065

  • Email: everydaycommsp@gmail.com

  • Phone: 0413 971 483

If you are not satisfied with our response, you can escalate your privacy complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or call 1300 363 992. NDIS participants may also contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission at www.ndiscommission.gov.au.