Leht Therapies have a clear policy on confidentiality and data protection to protect the privacy of individuals to ensure high standards of practise at all times. Only relevant and adequate data will be collected and kept up to date to ensure that the client gets the most out of the therapy sessions.
2) Data Protection and Access to records
Data will be kept in line with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018.
The data kept will be anything relating to client records, including:
· Client details and consent forms.
· Notes made during the consultation phase
· Notes made during therapy sessions
· Correspondence related to the therapy e.g. e-mail exchanges
This information will be stored securely in a locked cupboard, or if electronic it will be password protected or encrypted to a suitable standard to ensure anonymity.
Session notes are kept separately from client details and consent forms to assist with anonymity.
I am required for insurance purposes to keep all client data for a period of 8 years after the client has finished working with me if the client is an adult, or for 8 years after a child has reached the age of 16 if they work with me when they are a child. Therefore because I am required to keep this information the right to erasure or withdrawal of consent once work has commenced is not applicable within these circumstances.
Should you have any concerns about the way data is being handled then you have the right to complain to the ICO.
If you should require a copy of your client notes at any time:
· A request must be made in writing.
The information will be supplied at the earliest possible opportunity but no longer than a period of 30 days from the request being received.
Client details will not be given out to any third parties, except in exceptional circumstances as set out in section 3.
3) Client Confidentiality
All information is treated with respect at all times, written in an accurate and factual way.
It is necessary from time to time to discuss client cases with fellow professionals for ongoing learning and to maintain high standards and accountability. No personal identifying information will be given during such discussions such as name or names of family members, place of employment, address and contact details, physical descriptions etc.
Information is only ever passed on in cases where there is a legitimate ‘need to know’; and only relevant and necessary information is revealed. Situations when it is deemed necessary to pass on information to the relevant agencies includes, but is not limited to, as follows:
· Serious potential harm to client or a risk to their lives
· Others are at risk of serious harm or there poses a risk to their lives
· Safeguarding issues regarding children, young people or vulnerable adults
· It is a requirement of a court order
· It is a requirement of law
· The disclosure of the prevention, detection or prosecution of a serious crime.