Client Confidentiality Policy - Disability Liaison Unit (DLU)

Personal and health information provided by a client to a staff member of the Disability Liaison Unit (DLU) will be maintained in confidence and in accordance with the Information Privacy Act (Vic) 2000 and the Health Record Act (Vic) 2001. Consequently personal and health information will not be released or disclosed to anyone outside of the DLU without the client's consent.

The only exceptions to these procedures are those required by law. In these circumstances information may have to be released without the client's consent. This will only occur in a situation where the DLU is ethically and legally responsible to report the situation to appropriate people. Such situations would include:

• cases involving child abuse or adult abuse in circumstances where there is a court order;
• cases where records of the DLU are subpoenaed by a court of law; and
• cases where there is evidence that the client is a danger to himself/herself or others.

In a situation where the DLU believes that it is in the client's best interests that the client have contact with other treating professionals, eg: a doctor or psychologist, the client will be asked to sign an Authorisation for release or Exchange of Information from. If authorised, the DLU will discuss issues relevant to the client's disability and the impact on study with other professionals in order to best serve the client's interests.

The DLU may also request permission from a student to contact lecturers, faculty contacts, Exams Branch or Library staff or appropriate individuals involved in the provision of services to registered students.

Clients should also note that information regarding their circumstances may be shared between Disability Liaison Officers where appropriate and necessary. Other staff within the DLU may need to consult the client's file, where appropriate and necessary for the provision of services.

Secure storage of personal and health information

Access to the DLU records on the Monash University Database "Callista", is restricted to DLU staff only. Hard copies of a students file are kept in a locked filing cabinet within the DLU office.

Access to Information

You have a right to access personal information that Monash University holds about you, subject to any exceptions in relevant legislation. If you wish to seek access to your personal information or inquire about the handling of personal information, please contact the University Privacy Officer on 9905 6011.

If you have any concerns regarding the above policy please talk to your Disability Liaison Officer or email dlu@adm.monash.edu.au.