Privacy and Confidentiality

An important part of decision making is understanding your rights and the rights of Feros Care regarding information gathered and used related to your care.

The Privacy Act (1988) prohibits any person from accessing, using or disclosing any personal information in the possession of Feros Care except when performing their duties of providing care and in accordance with relevant legislation.

Feros Care adheres to the following principles of privacy:

1. Collection of Information: Personal information will only be collected by Feros Care staff if necessary for the provision of recipient care or other activities related to recipient care. A consent form must be completed before commencing services.
2. Use and Disclosure: Feros Care will not use personal information for any purpose other than the reason it was collected for without the written consent of the care-recipient.
3. Data Quality: Feros Care will make every effort to ensure that information collected is kept up to date, is accurate and complete. Care-recipients are asked to inform management of any changes in personal information.
4. Data Security: All information collected by Feros Care is maintained under secure conditions. Computer files and written files are accessible only by approved personnel. Information is managed according to statutory requirements.
5. Openness: Feros Care has a Privacy Policy that clearly sets out the procedures for handling information. This policy is available for review by care-recipients and their representatives upon request.
6. Access and Correction: Access to personal information is available at the request of the care-recipient in accordance with the Privacy Act. All requests must be made in writing to the Chief Executive Officer. Feros Care reserves the right to refuse access to any information that is deemed to have a deleterious/life threatening effect on the individual, may affect the privacy of others or if the request is frivolous or vexatious.
7. Identifiers: Government identifiers, such as Medicare or Tax File Number, are not used by Feros Care as identifiers for residents or their personal information.
8. Anonymity: Wherever practicable an individual may remain anonymous when communicating with Feros Care.
9. Transborder Data Flow: Feros Care will only transfer information outside of NSW or Australia with the explicit consent of the care-recipient or their Power of Attorney and only if the information transfer is considered secure by management.
10. Sensitive Information: Information related to an individual’s political opinion, membership of a political association, trade union membership, sexual preferences or practices, criminal record etc will not be collected by Feros Care. Religious beliefs or affiliations and/or philosophical beliefs may be collected to ensure care is provided in a culturally appropriate manner.