Quality of care and life is a feeling of safety, well-being, independence and maintaining connection with community. Trained and skilled staff understand, listen, notice changes, and ensure dignity through choice and respect.
Huon Regional Care is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information which the organisation collects, holds and administers, including that of employees and consumers. Personal information is information which directly or indirectly identifies a person.
We operate under a philosophy that respects the individual worth and dignity of all people. As such, personal privacy is regarded as a fundamental right and we are committed to protecting the privacy of personal information. We acknowledge our special position of trust in providing personal, intimate, social and medical care to its residents in residential care and clients in their own homes. All people working with and for us are required to be familiar with and are required to comply with the obligations of this policy.
The aim of this policy is to protect the rights consumers and employees in respect to privacy, confidentiality, consent and release of information.
This policy is approved by the Board and issued under the authority of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Board may authorise amendments to this policy at any time.
This policy applies to the Board, all employees (including part-time, full-time and casual), contractors, volunteers and agency staff. This policy includes any consumer or family member who may be privy to information related to the delivery of services.
Huon Regional Care (HRC) collects and manages personal information for the purposes of providing services to and on behalf of consumers. The organisation is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information it collects, holds and manages.
We collect personal information for the following purposes:
We generally collect the following kinds of information:
HRC recognises the essential right of individuals to have their information managed as they would reasonably expect – protected on one-hand and accessible to them on the other. These privacy values are reflected in, and supported by, our core values and organisational ethos.
The Board, employees and service contractors are bound by the Privacy Act 1988 including the Privacy Legislation Amendment Act, and by relevant state legislation. These impose specific obligations when it comes to handling information. The Privacy Act 1988 has no set time-limit and therefore obligations under this policy and the legislation endure after the Directorship or employee relationship ceases.
Board members, employees and service contractors must sign an acknowledgement of these confidentiality and privacy provisions upon entry to the organisation or when first assuming the position of Director. Signed confirmation of acceptance will be retained by the organisation.
The policy is structured on the National Privacy Principles of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Personal Information Protection Principles in Schedule 1 of the Personal Information Protection Act 2004 (Tas).
Any person for whom we hold information has a right to have access to that information at any reasonable time.
Huon Regional Care recognises the growing use of artificial intelligence in organisations and determines its position on the use of this technology and its application to the organisation through a separate and distinct policy.
Collection and consent
HRC may request and store sensitive information for personnel records but will ensure they are meet legislative requirements for collecting, storing and usage. Information will not be disclosed to a third party without consent and unless it is necessary for the carrying out of duties.
We generally collect personal information directly from you in writing, by telephone, face to face communications, email or via our website, if you:
Consumer records must be maintained in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements. Client records are kept, providing a history of contact with a consumer and to assist with the employee to:
Therefore, we will:
Use and disclosure
We use the information to:
We will:
HRC recognises that there are legal limits to confidentiality vis-à-vis disclosure and under certain circumstances, client files and workers may be subpoenaed by a Court of Law, search warrant or summons, or written requests from a body with regulatory authority to make the request.
In cases where an employee believes a consumer have been abused or are at risk of injury or harm an exception to client confidentiality will arise. Employees in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, will provide relevant information to the authorised government agency or representative in-line with appropriate legislation.
Data quality
Data security
Openness
Access and correction
Identifiers
HRC will not adopt an identifier from another organisation or the Australian, Tasmanian or local government and use it as its own, nor will it disclose identifiers used to provide services to consumers, unless this is required for the provision of care, such as a Medicare number.
Transborder data flows
HRC will take all reasonable steps to ensure the transfer of data outside Australia does not occur.
Sensitive information
HRC will only collect or share sensitive information if it is:
Consent shall be obtained from any individual that provides the information, except those where the law provides for collection.
Conformance with this policy is mandatory and a breach is considered a serious offence.
A proven breach shall result in disciplinary action that may range from a written warning to summary dismissal.
An employee or Director with knowledge of a breach has a duty of care to immediately report it to the Chief Executive Officer.
Failure to take reasonable steps to report it will result in disciplinary action for that employee.
If you believe a breach of this policy has occurred, it will be taken seriously. Please direct your complaint to the Privacy Officer, who is our Chief Executive Officer.
The Privacy Officer will investigate your complaint. You will have your complaint acknowledged, be included in the investigation and be informed of the outcome.
If you are unhappy with the outcome of your complaint to us or the way your complaint was considered, you may raise your concern with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
Further information about the OAIC can be found here.
Last updated July 2025