As of December 2024, significant changes to the Privacy Act came into effect. Here’s some insights into how it affects podiatrists and practice owners.
The Privacy Act has been updated; bringing with it, higher fines and penalties for anyone who does not comply with the new regulations. This is big news for podiatrists, particularly those who run a practice.
While the below list is not exhaustive, here are some changes that will directly impact podiatrists and practice owners.
What’s happened: Stricter data protection is now in place. This extends to encryption standards for podiatrists and practice owners, alongside regular security audits.
What you need to do: Make sure your practice management systems comply with the new encryption and security requirements.
What’s happened: Patients have the right to be informed on how their data is being used, and they have greater access to their data, its accuracy and the way it is managed.
What you need to do: Develop clear communication strategies to inform patients of their rights and how their data is being handled.
What’s happened: If there is a data breach, you must now report it to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) and affected individuals within 72 hours.
What you need to do: In addition to reporting any data breaches as above you must establish or update your data breach response plans to meet the new notification requirements.
If so, head to the clinical records and privacy member resources section for more information. This contains tools and templates, consent forms, audit tools and more information on clinical records, privacy, retention records and audits. Or if you have any immediate questions or concerns, please contact APodA’s Member Services team on 03 94163111 or email info@podiatry.org.au.
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