What is QIP Accreditation?
QIP and the Australian Dental Association (ADA) have teamed up to develop an accreditation standard for private dental practices. The scheme is voluntary. It aims to promote high quality in both the clinical and management sides of operating a dental practice.
The scheme sets standards for systems such as infection control and privacy and patient information collection.
What does QIP Accreditation mean for you?
The scheme provides you with assurance that Canberra Dental Care is operating to the best possible standard. To be awarded QIP accreditation we have clear policies in relation to key aspects of dental health. We have policies in relation to hand hygiene, the disposal of medical waste and storage of medicines.
Your privacy is a cornerstone policy at Canberra Dental Care. In order to provide you with the best quality of dental treatment we need to collect important, but often private, information about you and your medical history. We are committed to Canberra Dental Care Patients Rights Policy which we welcome you to read in full. The key elements of the policy are:
Privacy
In accordance with the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988, the Dental Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct for Registered Health Practitioners, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner- Australian Privacy Principles and the ACT Health Records (Privacy and Access) Act 1997, a patient can expect that their personal health and other information will be collected, used, disclosed and stored in accordance with relevant laws about privacy, and that this information will remain confidential unless the law allows disclosure or the patient directs us to release the information.
The Privacy Policy of Canberra Dental Care consists of the following:
- All information collected from the patient will be used for the purpose of providing treatment. Personal information such as name, address and health insurance details will be used for the purpose of addressing accounts to the patient, as well as processing payments and writing to the patient about any issues affecting their treatment.
- We may disclose a patient’s health information to other health care professionals, or require it from them if, in our judgement, it is necessary in the context of the patient’s treatment. In this event, disclosure of personal details will be minimised wherever possible.
- We may also use parts of a patient’s health information for research purposes, in study groups or at seminars as this may provide benefit to other patients. Should that happen, a patient’s personal identity would not be disclosed without their consent to do so.
- Patient history, treatment records, x-rays and any other material relevant to treatment will be kept and remain in a secure environment.
- Under the privacy law, patients have rights of access to dental information held about them by this practice. We welcome a patient to inspect or request copies of their treatment records at any time, or seek an explanation from the dentist. The following procedure has been developed to ensure that all requests for access are dealt with as efficiently as possible:
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- All requests for access (other than straightforward requests for copies of test or treatment results made to your dentist during your consultation) should be made in writing using (where available) a Request for Release of Dental Records Form.
- Requests for access will be acknowledged within 30 days of the receipt of the request.
- Where it is not possible for access to be granted within 30 days, the patient will be notified/advised when and if access will be granted.
- Where access is refused, the patient will be advised in writing of the reasons for refusal. This will include any information about other means by which access may be facilitated.
- A patient will not be permitted to remove any of the contents of their dental file from the practice, nor will they be permitted to alter or erase information contained in the dental record. However, if any of the information we have about a patient is inaccurate, a patient is encouraged to ask us to alter their records accordingly, in writing.
- When a request for copies of dental records is received, a reasonable fee might be charged and this would be at the discretion of the senior management/Principal Dentist and determined on a case by case basis.
- Generally, patients will be required to collect their records in person. However, in some limited circumstances patients may request in writing that records are provided to another person.
- If a patient, or authorised person, is collecting a copy of dental records, they may be required to provide identification. Where possible this should be photographic identification.
If you have any comments or concerns about the way in which we do business please take time to let us know. You can do this in person with the dentist or practice manager, or you can send us an e-mail to contact@canberradental.com.au.
What does QIP Accreditation mean for us?
By signing up to the voluntary scheme we are committing to a high standard. We are also committing to ongoing improvement and adaptation of our systems. Our QIP Accreditation is reviewed regularly. So you know we are maintaining the commitment to our policies year after year.
Accreditation gives all parties at Canberra Dental Care a clear idea of what standards are to be met. You, the patient, should know what we do with your information and how we ensure health standards are met. We, at Canberra Dental Care, have clear policies in place in relation to quality and performance. The review process provides us with regular periods of reflection and improvement.