|
|
Using the PACFA Logo
The PACFA Logo is a certified
trademark and may only be used under the conditions set out
below.
-
Any
non-profit, Incorporated Professional Association, whose
application for membership of PACFA been audited and
accepted by the PACFA Board, whilst they are a Member
Association of PACFA in good financial standing. When the
PACFA logo is used, and when describing the Association, the
following conditions apply:
-
the
following wording, and no other, should be used to
describe the relationship of the Member Association to
PACFA: “(insert name of Association) is a constituent
Member Association of the Psychotherapy and Counselling
Federation of Australia Inc. (PACFA)”
-
the
logo must ONLY be reproduced using the artwork provided
by PACFA.
-
if
membership of PACFA lapses or is terminated for any
reason, including as a result of non-payment of fees by
the Member Association or for any other reason provided
for by the constitution of PACFA, then the logo should
not be used on any new or reprinted/repeated
publications or promotional material.
-
Any
member of a PACFA Member Association who has applied for,
met the requirements of, and been accepted by their Member
Association and the PACFA Register Committee, for inclusion
in the PACFA National Register of Psychotherapists and
Counsellors. Once accepted onto the National Register of
Psychotherapists and Counsellors, the member is entitled to
use the PACFA logo and their Register Number, only for the
period that their registration is current. The following
conditions govern the use of the PACFA logo by individuals
who are included in the PACFA National Register:
-
a
Register Number will be issued by PACFA once the
application for Register entry has been accepted, and
this number MUST be placed immediately underneath the
logo in the following format: Register No. 00000.
-
the
logo must ONLY be reproduced using the artwork provided
by PACFA.
-
if
inclusion in the National Register of Psychotherapists
and Counsellors lapses or is terminated for any reason,
including as a result of non-payment of fees by the
individual or their Member Association, suspension or
cancellation by PACFA due to professional misconduct,
then the logo should not be used on any new or
reprinted/repeated publications or promotional material.
Guidelines for Client
Records
Download Guidelines for Client Records
(pdf)
Guidelines on Confidentiality and Record Keeping
Rigorous respect for issues of confidentiality is fundamental to the
ethical practice of counselling and psychotherapy. Practitioners will
clarify and explain the nature and extent of confidentiality from the
start of the contract. All circumstances in which confidentiality may be
breached will be identified.
Client records must be held securely at all times. The nature and
purpose of records kept and the client’s rights of access will be made
clear at the outset of the contract. Practitioners will make provision
for appropriate access to records and appropriate notification of
clients in the event of their own death or incapacity.
Agreements about confidentiality will continue after a client’s death
unless legal or ethical considerations demand otherwise.
Confidentiality in the legal process
It is a fundamental responsibility of the practitioner to be aware of
the specific legal implications of their work, including the general
legal requirements concerning the giving and withholding of information,
and the obligation to seek professional support and guidance when
necessary.
The practitioner will establish channels for discussing legal issues
with appropriately qualified people, in advance of the specific need
Maintenance of Records
Records are maintained for a variety of reasons, the most important of
which is the benefit of the client. Records allow a practitioner to
document and review the delivery of counselling and psychotherapy
services. The nature and extent of the record will vary depending upon
the type and purpose of services. Records can provide a history and
current status in the event that a user seeks services from another
mental health professional.
Maintenance of appropriate records may also be relevant for a variety of
other institutional, financial, and legal purposes.
In addition, well documented records may help protect counsellors and
psychotherapists from professional liability, if they become the subject
of legal or ethical proceedings. In these circumstances, the principal
issue will be the professional action of the practitioner, as reflected
in part by the records.
At times, there may be conflicts between the federal, state or local
laws governing record keeping, the requirements of institutional rules,
and these guidelines. In these circumstances, counsellors and
psychotherapists should bear in mind their obligations to conform to
applicable law.
Content of Records
Records include any information (including information stored in a
computer) that may be used to document the nature, delivery, progress,
or results of counselling and psychotherapy services. Records can be
reviewed and duplicated.
Records of these services minimally include (a) identifying data, (b)
dates of services, (c) types of services, (d) fees, (e) any assessment,
plan for intervention, consultation, summary reports, and/or testing
reports and supporting data as may be appropriate, and (f) any release
of information obtained.
As may be required by their jurisdiction and circumstances,
practitioners maintain to a reasonable degree accurate, current, and
pertinent records of services. The detail is sufficient to permit
planning for continuity in the event that another practitioner takes
over delivery of services, including, in the event of death, disability,
and retirement. In addition, practitioners maintain records in
sufficient detail for regulatory and administrative review of service
delivery.
Records kept beyond the minimum requirements are a matter of
professional judgment for the practitioner. The practitioner takes into
account the nature of the services, the source of the information
recorded, the intended use of the records, and his or her professional
obligation.
Practitioners make reasonable efforts to protect against the misuse of
records. They take into account the anticipated use by the intended or
anticipated recipients when preparing records. Practitioners adequately
identify impressions and tentative conclusions as such.
Construction and Control of Records
Practitioners maintain a system that protects the confidentiality of
records. They must take reasonable steps to establish and maintain the
confidentiality of information arising from their own delivery of
services, or the services provided by others working under their
supervision.
Practitioners have ultimate responsibility for the content of their
records and the records of those under their supervision. Where
appropriate, this requires that the practitioner oversee the design and
implementation of record keeping procedures, and monitor their
observance.
Practitioners maintain control over their clients' records, taking into
account the policies of the institutions in which they practice. In
situations where practitioners have control over their clients' records
and where circumstances change such that it is no longer feasible to
maintain control over such records, practitioners seek to make
appropriate arrangements for transfer.
Records are organised in a manner that facilitates their use by the
practitioner and other authorised persons. Practitioners strive to
assure that record entries are legible. Records are to be completed in a
timely manner.
Records may be maintained in a variety of media, so long as their
utility, confidentiality and durability are assured.
Retention of Records
The practitioner is aware of relevant federal, state and local laws and
regulations governing records retention. Such laws and regulations
supersede the requirements of these guidelines. In the absence of such
laws and regulations, complete records are maintained for a minimum of 3
years after the last contact with the client. Records, or a summary, are
then maintained for an additional 12 years before disposal. If the
client is a minor, the record period is extended until 3 years after the
age of majority.
All records, active and inactive, are maintained safely, with properly
limited access, and from which timely retrieval is possible.
Outdated Records
Practitioners are attentive to situations in which record information
has become outdated, and may therefore be invalid, particularly in
circumstances where disclosure might cause adverse effects.
Practitioners ensure that when disclosing such information that its
outdated nature and limited utility are noted using professional
judgment and complying with applicable law.
When records are to be disposed of, this is done in an appropriate
manner that ensures nondisclosure (or preserves confidentiality).
Disclosure of Record Keeping Procedures
When appropriate, practitioners may inform their clients of the nature
and extent of their record keeping procedures. This information includes
a statement on the limitations of the confidentiality of the records.
Practitioners may charge a reasonable fee for review and reproduction of
records. Practitioners do not withhold records that are needed for valid
healthcare purposes solely because the client has not paid for prior
services.
|
|
