Speak Out Feb 2020 DIGITAL EDITION. pdf

Transferring and keeping files PRIVACY

It is that time of year when caseloads are being built, and business decisions are often being made. Sometimes this might involve closing a business, selling it on, transferring clients to a new therapist, or clinicians or clients moving to another practice. In all of these scenarios, the management of client files is something that needs to be carefully considered. It would be a good idea to reflect upon a range of scenarios and questions including: - Who is going to be responsible for the file if it is an active client? Will the whole file be copied and transferred with the client, or just a summary? - Who will be responsible for client files that are archived? - It is a requirement that clients know where and how to access their health information, how will they be informed of the above? Is that different for current versus past clients? - If buying a practice or caseload from another practice, does this include the files? Is this different in the case of physical versus electronic files? Looking to SELL Your Speech Pathology Practice or have it VALUED and don’t know where to start? We value, market and sell Speech Pathology practices everyday. We’ll be with you through the entire process from valuation to settlement! Call one of our expert team today for a FREE market appraisal! Healthcare Practice Sales has been selling Allied Healthcare practices and clinics exclusively for over 8 years. Our dedicated sales team focus on the needs of our healthcare clients. We take the hard work and stress out of selling your practice so you can focus on what you do best – working in your practice. Let us sell your practice for the best price with minimal involvement from you.

- What will be the procedure in the case that a client or their legal representation contacts the practice and the clinician no longer works there? - If using practice management software, will the file information be able to be accessed if the practice has closed down, or does it need to be migrated across in some way? Members are encouraged to think carefully about how their client files are managed, acting according to the Privacy Act, in addition to the health record retention laws for their state and to seek legal advice if they have specific questions.

I know I have to keep a client’s information Ask SPA?

private, but how long do I need to keep their file for? There is different legislation in each state governing the retention of health records, and there can also be differences depending on if you are working in the public or private system. It is recommended members need to make themselves aware of any specific requirements relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients to the extent those requirements are relevant to the clinical services being provided . Members can find information regarding the length of time files must be retained for in their state in the Health Records - retention requirements guide . Members should also consider the types of information that might need to be included as part of a client’s health record, and therefore retained. There is further information about what constitutes health information in the Health Records FAQ .

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February 2020 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speak Out