Confidentiality Policy

1. Teenagers benefit from confidentiality for successful treatment, with Dr Sargeant encouraging teenagers to discuss with their parent. Dr Sargeant will break confidentiality if safety is assessed as significantly and acutely at risk.
2. Clinical information is generally disclosed to the referring doctor, and other mental health practitioners relevant to the young person such as psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and social workers.
3. Consent is required for information to be provided to schools or government agencies such as Centrelink or other non-clinical parties. To ensure consent, communication will be through (via) the parent (or adult young person).
4. Clinical information is provided to the Department of Families if clinically or legally indicated.
5. Communication with lawyers occurs only as required by law (such as for a subpoena). Refer point number 4 above.
6. The practice follows the Australian Privacy Principles of the Privacy Act 1988, the Privacy Act 2009 and is consistent with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
7. Information is collected solely for the purpose of clinical care or administration including communication for appointments and billing, and to facilitate Medicare rebates.
8. Access to information is limited to staff who have signed a confidentiality agreement.
9. All clinical and administrative information is collected and stored digitally, through an Australian software company specialised for medical services.
10. Digital communication is encrypted through the Medical Objects software.
11. All additional clinic computing services (including e-fax, modem and computer hardware updates) are facilitated via an Australian computing support company. No information is shared overseas.
12. Any privacy concerns are encouraged to be emailed to the clinic in the first instance, with the option to then contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
13. Individuals are able to access clinical notes through the Freedom of Information Act. Referral to another doctor will then be required.

Practice Policy

1. Phone and email support are not available, but urgent appointments are available for existing patients (usually within 2 working days).
2. After-hours support is not available. Access your general practitioner or hospital emergency department (eg Qld Children’s Hospital).
3. The clinic provides out-patient care only. Patients will be referred on if they are assessed as being better suited to a service that can access inpatient care.
4. As a treatment clinic, medicolegal assessments are not provided. This is consistent with Medicare rules if parent(s) accept Medicare rebates at any point of contact.
5. Family therapy is inherent in a child and adolescent service. It is a parent’s responsibility to discuss and confirm with their teenage person their consent for family therapy, or whether referral to an adult psychiatrist would be more appropriate.
6. Care for adult patients may continue into adult years, if there is joint agreement between the patient and doctor.
7. Siblings should not be present for appointments. Babysitting is not available by admin staff.
8. Clinic Policies are displayed in the waiting room.
9. We aim to do our best. In the event of disappointment, we request that you contact the clinic directly with any concerns or complaints via the above email address.