PRIVACY POLICY DNA DOWNUNDER

ABN 75625909345

Last Updated: July 2025

DNA Down Under (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting your personal and health information. As a provider of genetic counselling and education services, we handle sensitive health and genetic data with the highest standards of ethical and legal compliance.

This Privacy Policy is informed by the:

  • Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)

  • Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) (if applicable)

  • Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) Privacy Guidelines, including the:

    • HGSA Privacy Policy

    • Use of Human Genetic and Genomic Information in Healthcare Settings

    • Code of Ethics for Genetic Counsellors

1. Your Rights and Our Ethical Obligations

We are committed to:

  • Upholding the confidentiality and security of all personal and genetic information

  • Acting in accordance with HGSA’s Code of Ethics for genetic counselling professionals

  • Respecting your autonomy and supporting informed decision-making regarding your health and genetic data

We only collect, use, and share your information where necessary, and always with sensitivity, transparency, and respect.

2. What Information We Collect

We may collect the following information during our work with you:

Personal Information:

  • Full name, date of birth, contact details (e.g., phone, email, address)

  • Medicare or private health fund information

  • Payment and billing details

Sensitive Health and Genetic Information:

  • Medical and family history

  • Genetic test results and risk assessments

  • Counselling session notes

  • Referrals, diagnostic reports, and communication with healthcare providers

Website Data:

  • IP address, browser information, form submissions (only when necessary and voluntarily provided)

We will not collect sensitive information without your explicit consent, in line with APP 3 and HPP 10 (NSW).

3. How We Collect Your Information

We collect your information through:

  • Direct communication (e.g., consultations, intake forms, telehealth sessions)

  • Referrals from your healthcare providers (with your consent)

  • Laboratory testing partners and platforms (with your consent)

  • Our secure website forms or email correspondence

4. Why We Collect and Use Your Information

Your information is used to:

  • Provide accurate and personalised genetic counselling

  • Help you understand health risks and testing options

  • Communicate with your referring doctor or care team (as authorised by you)

  • Arrange and interpret genetic testing (with your consent)

  • Support your decision-making regarding health, family planning, and treatment

We are guided by HGSA’s ethical principle to ensure that genetic information is used only for the benefit of the individual or family receiving counselling.

5. Disclosure of Information

We only share your information:

  • With third parties involved in your care (e.g., testing labs, referring clinicians), with your permission

  • In rare cases where disclosure is required by law (e.g., subpoenas, mandatory reporting)

  • If you consent to sharing information with family members or other providers

We do not disclose your information for marketing or unrelated purposes.

As per HGSA guidance, disclosure to family members without consent may only be considered under exceptional circumstances, and in accordance with national guidelines.

6. Storage and Security

Your information is securely stored using:

  • Encrypted and password-protected digital systems

  • Australian-based cloud platforms compliant with privacy laws

  • Secure communication systems (e.g., encrypted email or secure messaging)

Only authorised personnel can access your records. We adhere to HGSA’s guidelines on safeguarding genomic information and minimising risk of misuse or unintended disclosure.

When no longer required, your data will be securely destroyed or de-identified unless legal obligations require retention.

7. Access and Correction

You may request:

  • Access to your records

  • Correction of any inaccurate or incomplete information

Requests can be made in writing. We will respond within 30 days. In some cases, a minimal administrative fee may apply.

8. Telehealth and Electronic Communication

We provide services via secure telehealth platforms. However, please be aware of the inherent risks in digital communication. You will be informed and asked for consent before using these services.

We ensure telehealth communications are conducted in compliance with privacy laws and HGSA's ethical guidance.

9. Website Analytics and Cookies

Our website may collect de-identified analytics to improve user experience. This may include:

  • Browser type, location (approximate), and device information

  • Pages visited and time spent on site

This data is anonymised and not linked to your clinical record. You can disable cookies via your browser settings.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in the law, technology, or best practice. The most recent version will always be available on our website.

Related HGSA Guidelines Referenced

  • Use of Human Genetic and Genomic Information in Healthcare Settings

  • Code of Ethics for Genetic Counsellors

  • HGSA Privacy Policy

For more information, visit: https://www.hgsa.org.au