We collect information from you that is necessary to provide you with accurate genetic counselling. This may include collecting information about your health history, family history, reproductive history, and your ethnic background. If you provide incomplete or inaccurate information to us or withhold personal health information from us we may not be able to provide you with the services you are seeking.
We will usually collect your health information directly from you. Sometimes we may need to collect information about you from a third party such as a relative or another health service provider. We will only do this if you have consented for us to collect your information in this way.
Sometime your health information will be shared with other health professions in the interest of providing you with the service you requested. This includes writing back to your referring doctor and/or general practitioner.
We will not share your health information with anyone else without your consent or unless required or authorised by law. If the situation arises where we may need to disclose your health information without your express consent, we will be guided by the NHMRC privacy Guidelines “Use and disclosure of genetic information to a patient’s genetic relatives under section 95AA of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth): Guidelines for health practitioners in the private sector”.
We will take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.
In all regards, we will work within the framework of the HGSA and ASGC Code of Ethics. These can be viewed at the HGSA website: http://www.hgsa.org.au
