COLOSTOMY ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA PRIVACY POLICY (Aug 2024)

The Colostomy Association of Victoria (CAV) is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the support of ostomates enrolled in Australia’s STOMA APPLIANCE SCHEME under the authority of the Department of Health and Aged Care.

The Colostomy Association of Victoria (CAV) abides by The Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APP) and has developed this APP Privacy Policy to outline our ongoing obligations with respect to how personal information provided to us is managed.

Compliance with The National Privacy Policy

There are ten Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) (previously the National Privacy Principles (NPPs)) contained in the Privacy Act 1988. These APPs came into effect on 21 December 2001 and govern the way in which we collect, use, disclose, store, secure, and dispose of your personal information. They also allow individuals to access that information and have it corrected if it is wrong.

CAV has adopted 9 of these 10 APPs. We are unable to fully comply with APP #8 (Anonymity), as CAV must specifically identify and verify the eligibility of all individuals wishing to claim ostomy appliances via the Federal Government’s Stomal Appliance Scheme (SAS). A plain English summary of the APPs is included within this policy document.

For more details, the full text of the APPs and the APP Guidelines may be obtained from the website of The Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner at www.privacy.gov.au.

What is Personal Information and why do we collect it?

Personal information is information that identifies an individual. Examples of personal information collected by CAV include names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, Medicare and concession card numbers, and information related to participation in the Stoma Appliance Scheme.

We collect your personal information for the primary purposes of providing our services to you and for providing information to you. We may also use your personal information for secondary purposes closely related to the primary purpose in circumstances where you would reasonably expect such use or disclosure.

What is Sensitive Information?

Sensitive information is defined in the Privacy Act as information about an individual’s racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a trade union, religious beliefs, criminal record, or health information.

Sensitive information will be collected and used by us only:

• For the primary purpose for which it was obtained.
• For a secondary purpose that is directly related to the primary purpose.
• With your consent; or where required or authorized by law.

Third Parties

Where reasonable and practical to do so, we will collect your personal information only from you. However, in some circumstances, we may be provided with information by third parties such as a family member or medical professional. In such cases, we will take all reasonable steps to ensure that you are made aware of the information provided to us.

Disclosure of Personal Information

CAV will not disclose your personal information except where:

• You would reasonably expect the information to be disclosed for a secondary purpose closely related to the primary purpose.
• A permitted health situation exists regarding disclosure to a medical professional.
• We are required to disclose your information for purposes related to your eligibility for stoma products under the Stoma Appliance Scheme.
• You have provided consent for disclosure to a third party.
• It is required and/or authorized by law.

Security of Personal Information

Your personal information is stored securely to protect it from misuse, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure.

When no longer needed, we will take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify personal information, except where required by law to retain it for a minimum of 7 years.

Access to your Personal Information

You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you. If you wish to access your personal information, please submit a written request.

CAV does not charge a fee for access requests but may charge an administrative fee for providing copies.

Maintaining the Quality of Your Personal Information

We take all reasonable steps to ensure your personal information is accurate, complete, and up to date. Please notify us promptly of any changes.

Policy Updates

This policy may change from time to time. A copy of our Privacy Policy is available upon request.

Privacy Policy Enquiries

If you have any queries about our Privacy Policy, please contact the CAV Secretary.