As a naturopath providing health services, I am committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your personal information. This privacy policy outlines how I collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988.

Collection of Personal Information

I collect personal information that is necessary for providing naturopathic services, including:

• Name, date of birth, address, contact details

• Health information, including medical history, current health concerns, and family medical history

• Lifestyle information relevant to your health

This information is collected directly from you during consultations, through intake forms, or via secure electronic communications

Use and Disclosure of Personal Information

Your personal information is used to:

• Provide naturopathic health services and advice

• Dispense herbal and nutritional medicines

• Communicate with you about your health and appointments

• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

• Send marketing communications, with your consent, such as newsletters, health tips, and information about new services or products

• to send you products that you have purchased.

• where disclosure is necessary to carry out your instructions, such as corresponding with someone on your behalf (with your authorisation), requesting pathology testing and/or ordering supplements.

• where I use support services to assist me in my business.

• to engage in professional supervision, although any information I share under these circumstances is de-identified to preserve client confidentiality.

• to refer you to other service providers at your request.

I will not disclose your personal information to third parties without your consent, except where required by law or for purposes directly related to your healthcare.

Who Disclosures are Made To

You consent to me sharing relevant information, on a strictly need-to-know basis, with:

• people you authorise me to correspond with, as reasonably required to carry out your instructions.

• my employees / subcontractors

• third party providers who assist with

• accounting

• administration

• archiving

• auditing

• business consulting

• email marketing

• legal or financial advice

• professional supervision

• website maintenance

  technological services 

I will also disclose your information if required by law in response to a subpoena, discovery request or a court order, in compliance with mandatory reporting obligations, or in circumstances permitted by the Privacy Act – for example, where I have reasonable grounds to suspect that someone is engaging in unlawful activity, or misconduct of a serious nature, that relates to my work with you. I may also make a disclosure to an appropriate authority if I have serious concerns about your health, safety, or wellbeing.

I will use all reasonable means to protect the confidentiality of your information while in my possession or control. I will not knowingly share any of your information with any third party other than the service providers who assist me with necessary business activities or the services I am providing to you. To the extent that I do share your information with third-party service providers, I only do so if I am satisfied that the service provider has a suitably protective privacy policy of their own, or they have signed a confidentiality agreement with me. Some of my service providers may be overseas and may not be subject to Australian Privacy Laws.

If you have any concerns regarding the disclosure of your information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me to discuss this personally.

Security of Personal Information

I take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. This includes:

• Secure storage of physical and electronic records

• Password protection and encryption of electronic data

• Regular staff training on privacy obligations

  Marketing and Communications

  As part of our commitment to providing quality naturopathic services and maintaining ongoing relationships with our clients, we may use your personal information for marketing and communication purposes. This section outlines how we handle your information in this context:

  Consent for Marketing Communications

  We will only use your personal information for direct marketing purposes with your express consent.

  You have the option to opt-in to receive marketing communications when you first provide your personal information.

  You can change your marketing preferences or opt-out at any time by contacting us or using the unsubscribe function in our communications.

  Types of Marketing Communications

  We may send you:

• Newsletters with health tips and naturopathic advice

• Information about new services or products we offer

• Invitations to health workshops or seminars

• Seasonal health updates relevant to your health concerns

  Protection of Your Information

  We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for their marketing purposes.

  Any marketing communications will come directly from our practice.

  Tailored Content

  We may use your health information to provide tailored content that is relevant to your specific health needs and interests.

  This personalization is done internally and does not involve sharing your information with external parties.

  Review and Update

  You can review and update your communication preferences at any time by contacting us.

  We regularly review our marketing list to ensure we respect your communication preferences.

  Collection of Information from Minors

  As a naturopathic practitioner, I recognise the importance of protecting children's privacy. When collecting personal information from individuals under 18 years of age:

  For children 15 and older, I will assess their capacity to provide consent on a case-by-case basis

  For children under 15, I will seek consent from a parent or guardian before collecting personal information.

  All information collected from minors will be handled with extra care and used solely for providing health services.

  Privacy notices and policies will be written in clear, understandable language, especially when addressed to children.

  I am committed to staying informed about and complying with any future changes to children's privacy regulations in Australia, including the potential introduction of a Children's Online Privacy Code.

  Access and Correction

  You have the right to access your personal information and request corrections. I will respond to such requests within 30 days. If I refuse access or correction, I will provide written reasons.

  Complaints

  If you believe your privacy has been breached, please contact me directly. I will investigate and respond to your complaint within a reasonable timeframe. If you are unsatisfied with the response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

  Changes to This Policy

  I may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in my practices or legal requirements. The latest version will always be available on my website.

  By using my services, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described in this policy.