ASAR Privacy Policy

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 Australasian Sonographer Accreditation Registry Ltd. (ASAR) realises that it is involved in the collection and distribution of sensitive information as required by the Health Insurance Commission (HIC) (Health Insurance Commission Amendments Regulations 2001) and thus voluntarily adheres to the guidelines of the Federal Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000

2. National Privacy Principles

ASAR respects the privacy rights of individuals and organisations and voluntarily seeks to only collect and store 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

4. Collection

For ASAR to function as a register of accredited sonographers and to establish minimum standards of CPD and to monitor the CPD requirements for sonographers to remain on the register it must collect and store and transfer to the HIC information of a personal nature of its members.

For ASAR to accredit ultrasound training and education programs it must collect and store information from education providers on course details.

General information relating to employees, contractors, subscribers, customers and other stakeholders is collected and disseminated only in a manner to facilitate the efficient operation of the Register.

Depending on the nature of the relationship with ASAR (member, business, employee, etc) this information may include:

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.
Personal information such as gender, date of birth, educational qualification, employer and employment position
For employees, 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

The above information is collected for the primary purpose of effectively servicing the relationship established between ASAR and the HIC and or relevant educational bodies.

At all times, ASAR strives to ensure that the collection and storage of such information is fair, lawful and un-intrusive. Information on registry members is submitted to the Health Insurance Commission (HIC) on a regular basis. Changes to this information is submitted to the HIC on a regular basis.

ASAR will only use this information in accordance with original purposes consistent with ASAR’s mission and constitutional objectives. ASAR will do its best to obtain consent for any secondary ASAR related use of the information and has a policy of not selling or disclosing this information outside of the ASAR organisational structure.

There is 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, allowing appropriate insurance and under the corporations act.

Matters discussed at Registry Council meetings, particularly relating to possible sensitive personal and professional information, are treated as confidential.

6. 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. All ASAR data is stored securely and can only be accessed by authorised ASAR staff its officers and the relevant government agency.

7. Website

Our website is designed for the security of its members with personalised logins and passwords required to access your information.

Staff and Council members have access as necessary to perform various tasks in the administration of the register Links to other sites: ASAR is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of linked websites.

8. Complaints

An act or practice which an individual or organisation believes to be an interference with their privacy, may form the basis of a complaint. ASAR encourages such complaints to be resolved between themselves and ASAR.

If the complaint cannot be resolved directly the party may attempt to resolve it by referring the matter to the Privacy Commissioner.

9. Contact Details

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

Uma Subramanian
Secretariat
Australasian 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