This policy details our practices for the collection, use and disclosure of personal and sensitive information relating to ASAR accredited Sonographers, ASAR position holders, ASAR staff and other stakeholders. Although the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry Ltd. (ASAR) is not bound by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), we endeavour to adhere to the Australian Privacy Principles as far as practicable.
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 Company, in a manner consistent with the Australian Privacy Principles. Further information on the APP’s is available from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
The objectives for which the Registry is established are to promote high standards of medical sonography in Australia, including:
4. Scope
This policy applies to ASAR position holders, ASAR staff and other stakeholders.
5.1. ASAR position holders:
5.1.1. ASAR Board of Directors
The number and nature of Directors is defined in section V of the ASAR Constitution.
Members of ASAR (the company) are defined in section 14a) of the ASAR Constitution.
The Members of ASAR are the individuals who are Accredited Medical Sonographers on the Registry in accordance with rule 10.b)2) who are interested in the Objects of ASAR who agree to become Members and who the Board in its absolute discretion admits to membership in accordance with this Constitution.
The ASAR Board may form committees to further the objects of ASAR. Members of Board Committees must adhere to this policy.
Examples of other ASAR stakeholders include:
Examples of other stakeholders include but are not limited to:
ASAR’s primary form of communication is electronic, i.e. emails, e-newsletters. ASAR’s secondary form of communication is mail and facsimile.
In order to carry out its functions and achieve its objects as defined in the ASAR Constitution, ASAR communicates with a number of individuals and organisations including but not limited to:
ASAR collects personal information in order to carry out its functions and achieve its objects as defined in Point 3 and in the ASAR Constitution.
Depending on the nature of the relationship with ASAR, this information may include:
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.
ASAR will only use and disclose information in order to carry out its functions and achieve its objects as defined in point 3 and in the ASAR Constitution.
ASAR provides personal information about sonographers on the Registry to Medicare Australia on a regular basis. This information includes the individual’s current CPD and accreditation status, and contact details.
ASAR also provides public access to the names and registration numbers of sonographers on the Registry.
The primary drivers for giving this access are:
At all times, ASAR strives to ensure that the collection and storage of such information is fair, lawful and unintrusive.
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 Sonographers on the Registry to facilitate that research. This material will generally be questionnaires or surveys.
Sonographers on the Registry will have the option to opt out of receiving research material (see point 9). ASAR will respect the decision of a Sonographer on the Registry who advises ASAR that they do not wish to receive research material.
If a sonographer on the Registry receives research material they are under no obligation to participate.
ASAR will not sell personal information to any organisation or individual.
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.
ASAR does not disclose personal information to any overseas entities.
Sonographers on the Registry can notify ASAR in writing that they do not wish to be sent material for the purposes of conducting ASAR-supported professional research. Sonographers can also opt-out of receiving such material on application and renewal forms.
All individuals are provided access to their information upon request. In order for ASAR to operate effectively it is necessary 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 and ASAR position holders. 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.
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.
Online payments are made through a secure payment system. All banking details are encrypted and are not stored on our server.
Any complaints regarding this privacy policy should go through the ASAR complaints process.
If you have any questions about this privacy policy you may contact:
The Chairperson
Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry Ltd
PO Box 331, Goodwood SA 5034
Ph: 1300 151 522
Email: registry@asar.com.au Website: www.asar.com.au