Information Policy For Rainbow Mandala Clinic

This policy delineates the framework for the collection, storage, utilisation, and dissemination of patient information at Rainbow Mandala Clinic, ensuring adherence to relevant statutory and regulatory mandates, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles. Emphasis is placed on the structured sharing of information with referring General Practitioners (GPs) to facilitate integrated and continuous care.

RMC strictly adheres to the The Royal Australian and New Zealand

College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Code of Ethics (2018) 5th edition.

Section 4 covers confidentiality, privacy and record keeping.
The Code can be accessed here. 

Rainbow Mandala Clinic systematically acquires personal and sensitive patient data to deliver evidence-based psychiatric care. The scope of information collected encompasses:

• Personal identifiers (e.g., name, date of birth, contact details)
• Comprehensive medical and psychiatric history
• Diagnostic assessments, therapeutic plans, and progress documentation
• Contextual data such as familial or psychosocial history

All patient data are safeguarded through robust security measures. Electronic records are maintained in encrypted systems with controlled access protocols, while physical documents are secured in locked storage. Access to patient records is strictly limited to personnel with verified authorisation, commensurate with their professional responsibilities.

Patient data is exclusively utilised for diagnostic, therapeutic, and administrative purposes directly pertinent to the provision of psychiatric care.

To ensure seamless coordination of care, Rainbow Mandala Clinic communicates pertinent patient information to the referring GP through structured reporting mechanisms:

• Initial Referral Report: Following the initial assessment, a detailed report is dispatched to the referring GP, encompassing diagnostic findings, preliminary treatment recommendations, and immediate care considerations.
• Ongoing Communication: Periodic updates are conveyed to the referring GP to report progress, refine treatment strategies, and address emerging clinical needs. The frequency and depth of these updates are tailored to clinical imperatives and patient consent.
• End-of-Treatment Summary: Upon conclusion of treatment or discharge, a comprehensive summary is provided to the referring GP, detailing therapeutic outcomes, recommendations for continued care, and any requisite follow-up measures.

In exceptional circumstances where patient or public safety is at risk, Rainbow Mandala Clinic reserves the right to disclose information without prior consent, as authorised by law. Such circumstances may include:

• Imminent risk of harm to the patient or others
• Legal requirements for reporting specific conditions or events
• Mandatory Reporting requirements 

 Patients are entitled to:

• Access their medical records, subject to statutory exemptions
• Request amendments to their records to rectify inaccuracies or omissions
• Withdraw consent for the sharing of their information
• Lodge formal complaints regarding the management of their personal information

All personnel at Rainbow Mandala Clinic undergo rigorous training on this policy, encompassing their responsibilities in handling and sharing patient data. Continuous professional development and policy reviews are conducted to align with evolving legal and professional standards.

This policy is subject to annual review or revision in response to legislative updates, advancements in best practices, or operational adjustments. Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary measures, including termination of employment or contractual agreements.

For further inquiries or concerns regarding this policy, please contact: Rainbow Mandala Clinic, contact@rainbow-mandala.com.au