- Goal and Scope
This policy sets privacy, confidentiality, and integrity standards in our communications with participants. It is founded on pertinent legislation, including the Disability Services Act, the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, and the Disability Services Standards. This policy applies to all of SSC Care's services and programs.
- Statement of Policy
At SSC Care, every participant is treated with dignity and respect, and their privacy is safeguarded. Every participant will receive our services with the same degree of privacy, confidentiality, and honesty.
- Methods
SSC Care adheres to the following procedures to make sure we fulfil our privacy obligations:
- We will only collect information necessary for providing services and fulfilling care obligations.
- We will seek permission from the participant or their family before collecting information from any other source.
- We will obtain written consent before sharing information with any external party.
- Access to personal information will be restricted to SSC Care staff members who need it to perform their duties.
- Participants and their families will be informed that SSC Care holds their data.
- Participants and their families have the right to access the data SSC Care holds about them.
- We will retain client data only for as long as necessary to meet our care obligations.
- Any privacy, confidentiality, or data security concerns will be promptly investigated and addressed.
- Performance Criteria
To meet these standards, SSC Care will:
- Provide clients and their families with a copy of our privacy, dignity, and confidentiality policy.
- Ensure staff are aware of and adhere to the privacy policy.
- Inform participants and their families about the importance of their data and their rights regarding it.
- Collect information from other sources only with the participant’s or family’s written consent.
- Ensure client data is securely stored and accessible only to authorized personnel.
- Regularly review and remove unnecessary personal data from client files.
- Address complaints regarding privacy and confidentiality per our complaints handling policy.
