Policies and Procedure for Maintaining Privacy and Confidentiality

Running head: Business Administration 1
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Business Administration 2
Task 1.1 Policies and Procedure for Maintaining Privacy and Confidentiality
The Natural Therapies Clinic takes measures to protect client personal information in its possession
against, loss, unauthorised access, use, alteration or disclosure and against other forms of
mishandling. These comprises of reasonable physical, technical and administrative security measures
(Velasquez, Andre, Shanks, and Meyer, 2012).
The physical protections include:
 Keeping filing cabinets and unattended files under lock and key
 Physical security of areas with personal information
 Keeping computers in private places inaccessible by unauthorised members
 Avoiding the storage of client personal information in public areas
Technical safeguards
 The use of passwords to limit computer access, and the demand for routine changes to
passwords
 Establishing varying levels of access so that not all staff can view all information
 Making sure that information is securely transferred wherever applicable or inapplicable to
ensure that correct measures of protection have been taken
 Installing virus protection and firewalls (Appari & Johnson, 2010).
Task 1.2 Informed Consent
Informed consent must be acquired for all invasive procedures and for treatment that are considered
risky (Jefford & Moore, 2008). An invasive procedure is any treatment in which skin or mucous
membranes and connective tissue undergoes incision or injection, or the procedure is undertaken with
the use of a device that is initiated using a natural body orifice (Beck, 2016). However, there shall be
exclusions to this procedure such as peripheral IV and catheter insertions. Additionally, unless the
case under consideration is a life or death case, the medical practitioner or assistant shall obtain
detailed consent before any major treatment, procedure, or surgery for which it is most appropriate.

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Consent evidence shall include a dully signed form by the patient or representative and by the doctor
carrying out the procedure. A number of other forms shall also be available for other different
treatment procedures such as consent for blood products form.
Care shall be ascertained in determining the competency of the patient in giving a consent for
treatment.
Task 1.3 Identifying and managing any conflict of interest
Any conflict of interest arising between the practitioners and client must promptly be identified, using
the test below, and managed.
The Test: if a client could be affected, or seem to be affected, by an individual’s interest or conflict of
interest when undertaking routine duties and responsibilities.
Management of a Conflict of Interest
Conflicts of interest can take place in varying scenarios within The Natural Therapies Clinic.
All forms of conflict of interest between a practitioner and a client shall be managed through six
strategies as shown below (Ramsay, 2001):
1. Record/Register – all identified or suspected cases of conflict of interest shall be recorded or
registered in the registry
2. Restrict – it may be advisable to restrict involvement in the issue, such as avoiding debate
3. Recruit – if restriction isn’t appropriate, another appropriate office can take up the matter
4. Remove – removal of a matter shall be implemented if other previous measures fail
5. Relinquish – giving up individual interest if they are the cause of the matter
6. Resign – last option, but best applicable if no other resolution can apply
1.4 Clinic’s commitment to environmentally sustainable practice

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The Natural Therapies Clinic acknowledges a responsibility to the environment and we showcase our
devotion towards implementing practices which will foster environmental sustainability. The clinic
will at all times endeavour to create awareness in the community, encourage involvement and train
employees in matters relating to environmental sustainability.
Principles of environmental sustainability
 Adhere to all laws and regulations governing the environment, and aggressively look for
techniques to improve on these regulations
 Endeavour for energy, water and resources conservation in all our work
 Work towards a better understanding of both direct and indirect effect that our practices have
on the ecosystem
 Thoughtful disposal of waste, and foster a culture of “ reducing, recycling and reusing”
 Routine review of our practices and ascertain whether they are environmentally sustainable
 Reduce our impact on the environment by securing products and services that are friendly to
the environment
1.5 Clinic’s support and respect for cultural difference
The Natural Therapies Clinic recognises, respects, promotes and celebrates the value of diversity in
cultures and will design and implement policies, procedures, treatments that are inclusive.
The Natural Therapies Clinic aims at becoming a community characterised by service excellence,
prompt quality treatment, and ethical practice. The clinic is openly involved in social, ethical and
religious aspects of the issues it faces in the delivery of quality service. In all its activities, the clinic is
steered by a vital concern for justice and equity, and for the respect of all people (Bentzen, Harvey, &
Brinchmann, 2013).
The clinic demonstrates its unique identity by promoting a welcoming and all inclusive staff that:
 Cherish and respects cultural diversity
 Reflects ethos