AMA (NSW) Limited is a voluntary member-based organisation that is committed to protecting the privacy of members, other individuals and organisations that communicate with the association.

This policy sets out the processes that will be followed by AMA (NSW) and its employees in protecting information held by AMA (NSW). This policy establishes the reasons for collecting personal information, how the information will be used and to whom if necessary the information is disclosed.

If you have specific concerns please contact our Privacy Officer, Ms Fiona Davies or email fiona@nswama.com.au.

Click here for an Application to Withhold Release of Information

Collection of Personal Information

AMA (NSW) collects and holds information about members as necessary to ensure the proper functioning and operation of the association. The information held by AMA (NSW) is limited to that information which is directly provided by members in the form of membership applications, changes to membership details or applications to make use of commercial services. The only additional information we may hold regarding members would be correspondence that is received from members seeking advice, correspondence from the public, government organisations or other medical practitioners. AMA (NSW) may also receive information from the Australasian Medical Publishing Company.

It is necessary to receive this information to ensure that we are able to fully represent the interests of medical practitioners.

Use of Personal Information

As noted above, AMA (NSW) holds information as advised by you. This may include the practice address and telephone number, a personal address and telephone number, a post office box, information about your medical speciality and your date of birth.

Information held about you will be used to provide copies of AMA publications and correspondence and to provide information on benefits and special offers to members.

Disclosure of Personal Information

AMA (NSW) will only disclose your personal information for the purposes for which it is collected or is otherwise required by law. The types of organisations we may be required to disclose your personal information include (but may not be limited to):

• Relevant medical colleges provided with scores on SALT to satisfy requirements for CME
• AMP Co to ensure that its database is kept accurate and up-to-date.
• AMA Travel to arrange travel required for AMA business.
• AMA (NSW) Insurance Company and other business organisations if required to ensure the business activities of the AMA are insured or otherwise covered.

At times, it may be necessary for other organisations or contractors to view or access information to facilitate the operation of the association. Where this occurs, such access shall be in accordance with the terms of this policy.

If you do not wish for your personal information to be disclosed to another organisation please indicate at the time your information is collected. This will be noted on your membership records and every effort will be made to respect this wish.

On request from a member of the public or an outside organisation, AMA (NSW) will provide details of your practice contact address and practice telephone number only. Under no circumstances will staff provide details of personal contact numbers or addresses and if an address is not clearly listed as a practice address, no information will be provided to the public. If you would prefer that none of your information is provided to members of the public, please complete the attached form and return it to the AMA (NSW). Information about practice addresses and telephone numbers is provided to the public as a member service to assist patients to contact doctors. As noted above, all AMA (NSW) staff are aware of the requirements in terms of protecting the privacy of personal information. If you would like to check what information is held about your practice or home address details, you can contact the Membership Services Section of the AMA, by telephoning 02 9439 8822.

Data Quality and Security

AMA (NSW) is committed to ensuring that the personal information held about you is maintained in a form that is accurate, complete and up-to-date. The storage, use and where necessary transfer of your personal information will be undertaken in a secure manner that protects your privacy.

All employees and contractors to the AMA (NSW) are required to sign confidentiality agreements and all staff are trained on the confidentiality provisions. Over and above the provisions of this privacy policy, you can be assured that information you provide to the AMA (NSW) particularly with regard to sensitive matters will be kept confidential as far as legally possible.

Where external organisations are required to access or view information held by the AMA, the organisation will be required to provide details of their privacy policy and confidentiality agreements, as appropriate.

Openness

This policy and other information on privacy is available to AMA members, staff and the public. If you require further information on information handling processes within the AMA (NSW) please contact Fiona Davies by telephone (02) 9439-8822, fax (02) 9438-3760 or email fiona@nswama.com.au.

Access to and Correction of Your Personal Information

AMA (NSW) members are entitled to request access and seek corrections in relation to personal information. The request for access to personal information should be made directly to the Membership Services Section. The Membership Services Section can confirm personal details held on file regarding you. Please note that to confirm your identity it will be necessary for an AMA member to contact us personally and to quote their membership number or other relevant personal information to confirm identity. If more detailed information is required, a letter seeking access to information should be directed to the Executive Director and marked "Private and Confidential". If AMA (NSW) has concerns regarding any requests for access, we reserve the right to respond in writing.

Identifiers

AMA (NSW) will not adopt, use or disclose any identifier assigned to you by a government agency except where required by law.

Relationships with Other AMA Branches

At times, it may be necessary to communicate with other AMA state branches regarding your personal information. Therefore, we would recommend that you view the AMA Limited Privacy Information Policy that is available on the AMA website at www.ama.com.au.

Information Regarding Patients

AMA (NSW) provides advice and assistance to members regarding a range of matters. When sending information to AMA (NSW) Limited for any reason, it is essential that all information which may identify patients is removed.