1. Introduction

This statement details our practices for the gathering, protection and handling of personal and sensitive information relating to our members, employees, customers and other stakeholders.

The Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry Ltd. (ASAR) voluntarily adheres to the National Privacy Principles.

2. National Privacy Principles

ASAR respects the privacy rights of individuals and organisations and voluntarily seeks to only collect, store and disclose personal information that is necessary for the operation of the register in a manner consistent with the 10 National Privacy Principles. Further information on NPP’s is available at their website (www.privacy.gov.au)

3. Functions of ASAR

• To accredit sonography training and education programs within Australia
• Maintain a register of Accredited Sonographers and Accredited Student Sonographers
• To establish minimum standards of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and to monitor the CPD requirements for Sonographers to remain on the register
• To support activities that advance the profession of sonography
• To provide registration information about Sonographers to Medicare Australia
• To provide public access to the name, registration number, state or territory, current type of accreditation and area of specialty for active Sonographers

 

4. Collection

ASAR collects personal information in order to carry out its functions.
Depending on the nature of the relationship with ASAR (member, business, employee, etc) this information may include:

• Name, gender, date of birth, educational qualification, employer and employment position
• Information relating to home, work or other address, phone and fax numbers, email and web addresses
• Status of CPD and related activities
• Status on the register
• For employees of ASAR, information documenting tax file numbers, letters of appointment and employment contract, work history, bank account details, salary records and leave taken or accrued

 

5. Use & Disclosure

ASAR provides personal information about members of ASAR, including each member’s current CPD and accreditation status, to Medicare Australia on a regular basis.

ASAR also provides public access to the names and registration numbers of Sonographers on the Registry. The primary drivers for giving that access are:

1. to assist practices that are applying for accreditation under the Medicare accreditation requirements; and
2. to assist practices that are employing Sonographers who require accreditation for Medicare purposes

At all times, ASAR strives to ensure that the collection and storage of such information is fair, lawful and un-intrusive.

One of the objectives of ASAR is to support professional activities that advance the profession of sonography. ASAR may, after considering the merits of a research project, send information to members to facilitate that research. This material will generally be questionnaires or surveys. Members will have the option to opt out of receiving research material (see point 6). ASAR will respect the decision of a member who advises ASAR that they do not wish to receive research material.

If a member receives research material they are under no obligation to participate.

ASAR will not sell members’ personal information outside of the ASAR organisational structure.

There are a variety of reasons why ASAR is required to hold other information related to our obligations under relevant legislation, ensuring OH&S welfare of employees and allowing for appropriate insurance.

Some material considered by ASAR, including accreditation submissions, may be confidential. ASAR will only disclose that material in appropriate circumstances in accordance with law.
 

6. Opt-out provision

Members can notify ASAR in writing that they do not wish to be sent material for the purposes of conducting ASAR-supported professional research. Members can also opt-out of receiving such material on an application and renewal forms.
 

7. Access

All individuals are provided access to their information upon request. It is necessary for ASAR to operate effectively to have the most up to date and accurate information possible. It is the responsibility of all individuals to ensure that their details are current.

All ASAR data is stored securely and can be accessed by authorised ASAR staff, its officers and the relevant government
agency. Limited data can be accessed by individuals on the Register with personalised logins and passwords provided to them by the Registry. Public access to limited information is available consistent with the requirements of the Department of Health & Ageing.
 

8. Website

Links to non-ASAR websites are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement of material at those sites, or any associated organisation, product or service. ASAR is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of linked websites.
 

9. Online Payments

Online payments are made through a secure payment system. All banking details are encrypted and are not stored on our server.
 

10. Complaints

Any complaints regarding this privacy policy should go through the ASAR complaints process.
 

11. Contact Details

If you have any questions about this privacy policy you may contact:

The ASAR Secretariat
Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry Ltd
PO Box 8323 Baulkham Hills BC NSW 2153
Ph; 02 8850 1144
Fax: 02 8850 1177
Email: registry@asar.com.au
Website: www.asar.com.au