how ermha protects clients’ privacy

Ermha is committed to protecting personal and health information in accordance with

  • The Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988 and the National Privacy Principles under that Act
  • The Victorian Health Records Act 2001 and the Health Privacy Principles under that Act.

These laws and regulations are incorporated into Ermha’s policies and procedures to ensure that all personal information is handled sensitively and securely. Ermha only records information with clients’ written consent and will only use and disclose information for the primary purpose for which it was collected.

What information do we record?
The information we require in order to provide support varies according to the program you are a part of and the goals you create as part of your support plan.

Who can see clients’ information?
Your information can only be seen by the professionals in this service who are involved with the support we provide to you. Otherwise, we can only release information about you if you agree or if required by law (such as in case of a medical emergency). We supply funding bodies with anonymous client data for statistical purposes.

What say do clients have in what happens to their information?
You have a say in what happens to your information. We rely on the information you give us to provide you with the right support. It is your right to deny Ermha staff access to this information but this may affect our ability to provide you with the best possible service. Talk to your support worker if you wish to cancel or change the conditions of your consent.

How does Ermha protect records?
Ermha is committed to protecting the confidentiality of clients’ records. Security measures are in place and all personnel who handle personal and health information have a duty of care to protect records from unauthorised access, use, or disclosure. When information is no longer required to be held it is destroyed.

Can you access your information?
Clients can access their information and can ask for it to be changed or corrected. Requests for access to information are made to Ermha’s Privacy Officer.