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Privacy Policy

Date Effective: 09/03/2026

OUR COMMITMENT TO PRIVACY

Lauren Ford Speech & Learning ("we", "us", "our") is a sole trader speech pathology practice providing telehealth services across Australia. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information.

WHAT INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We collect personal information that is reasonably necessary to provide speech pathology services, such as:

 

Personal Information

 

  • Full name

  • Date of birth

  • Address

  • Phone number

  • Email address

  • Parent/guardian details (for child clients)

  • Emergency contact details

 

Sensitive Information (Health Information)

 

  • Medical and developmental history

  • Assessment results

  • Therapy notes

  • Reports and professional correspondence

  • NDIS plan details (if applicable)

  • Medicare information

  • Referrals from GPs or specialists

 

Under Australian law, health information is considered sensitive information and receives a higher level of protection.

HOW WE COLLECT INFORMATION

We collect information:​

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  • Through intake and consent forms

  • During telehealth sessions via Zoom

  • Via email, phone, or written communication

  • From parents or guardians (for child clients)

  • From referring doctors, allied health professionals, or educators (with consent)

  • Through Medicare, NDIS, or private health insurance documentation

 

Where practicable, we collect information directly from you or your child’s legal guardian.

TELEHEALTH & DIGITAL PLATFORMS

As a telehealth practice, services are delivered online using secure digital platforms.

 

We use:

  • Zoom for video consultations

  • Secure email communication

  • Encrypted devices

  • Password-protected systems

  • Cloud-based practice management software (current or future use)

 

Some digital platforms may store data on servers located outside Australia. While we take reasonable steps to use reputable providers with strong privacy protections, overseas data storage may be subject to foreign laws.

 

By engaging in telehealth services, you acknowledge and consent to the use of these digital platforms.

WHY WE COLLECT AND USE YOUR INFORMATION

We collect, hold, use and disclose personal information to:​

 

  • Provide speech pathology assessment and therapy

  • Develop therapy plans

  • Communicate with parents/guardians

  • Prepare professional reports

  • Liaise with GPs, paediatricians, educators, or allied health professionals (with consent)

  • Process Medicare and NDIS claims

  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

  • Manage billing and administrative functions\

​

We will not use or disclose your information for direct marketing purposes.

DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

We may disclose information to:

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  • Medicare

  • The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

  • Private health insurers

  • Referring doctors or specialists

  • Schools or early learning centres (with consent)

  • Other allied health professionals involved in care

  • Legal or regulatory authorities where required by law

​

Information is only shared with your consent unless otherwise required or authorised by law.

CHILDREN’S PRIVACY & PARENTAL CONSENT

As we provide services to children, personal and health information is collected from parents or legal guardians.​

 

Parents/guardians provide consent for:​

 

  • Assessment and therapy services

  • Collection and use of health information

  • Communication with other professionals where appropriate

 

Where appropriate, we may also seek assent from older children.

DATA STORAGE & SECURITY

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

Security measures include:

 

  • Password-protected computers

  • Two-factor authentication where available

  • Encrypted internet connections

  • Secure cloud storage systems

  • Restricted access to client records

 

As a sole trader practice, only the practitioner has access to client records unless disclosure is authorised or legally required.

DATA BREACHES

In the event of a data breach likely to result in serious harm, we will comply with the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme under the Privacy Act, including notifying affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) where required.

ACCESS & CORRECTION

You may request access to, or correction of, your personal information at any time. Requests should be made in writing to:​

 

Lauren Ford

Email: lauren.speechandlearning@gmail.com

​​

We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and may charge a reasonable administrative fee for access requests.

RETENTION OF RECORDS

We retain client records in accordance with professional and legal obligations in Australia.

 

Generally:

  • Adult records are retained for at least 7 years from the last date of service

  • Children’s records are retained until the client turns 25 years old. After this period, records are securely destroyed or permanently de-identified.

COMPLAINTS

If you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles, you may contact us in writing. We will investigate your complaint and respond within a reasonable timeframe. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with:

 

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)

Website: www.oaic.gov.au

CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most current version will be available on our website.

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