Free Privacy Training for General Practice: Understand APP 6 and Stay Compliant
Privacy breaches can damage patient trust, attract regulatory penalties, and undermine the integrity of your practice. One of the most misunderstood—but frequently breached—areas of the Australian Privacy Principles is APP 6: Use or Disclosure of Personal Information.
To help healthcare teams navigate this correctly, General Practice Training and Consulting offers a free course: Privacy Training – Understanding APP 6.
This training is concise, relevant to general practice, and suitable for all staff members handling patient information.
Why APP 6 Deserves Special Attention
APP 6 sets clear limits on how personal health information can be used or disclosed. But in the busy day-to-day of a general practice, lines can blur—especially when:
- A patient’s family member asks for information
- External providers request updates or summaries
- Employers call regarding WorkCover patients
- Staff are unsure whether patient consent applies
Misunderstanding these scenarios leads to privacy violations—whether intentional or accidental.
Course Overview
This short course explains:
- What APP 6 actually requires from health practices
- When personal information can be disclosed—with or without consent
- What is considered ‘reasonable belief’ in disclosing information
- How to handle third-party requests, including from family, insurers, and employers
- Practical examples of common mistakes and how to avoid them
The course is grounded in healthcare-specific situations and directly relevant to real-life general practice challenges.
Who Should Do This Course
- Reception staff, who are often the first point of contact for information requests
- Nurses and allied health professionals, who handle records and share clinical updates
- GPs, who must understand their obligations around confidentiality and consent
- Practice Managers, who are responsible for internal policies and staff training
Why It’s Worth Completing
- Prevents privacy breaches that can result in complaints or investigations
- Supports compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 and RACGP accreditation standards
- Provides staff with language and confidence to say “no” when appropriate
- Helps establish consistent internal practices across your team
What You Get
- Online, self-paced access
- Completion time: approx. 30 minutes
- Certificate of Completion (useful for onboarding, HR, and CPD)
Final Word
Every member of a general practice team has a role in protecting patient information. This course provides the clarity and confidence needed to handle information requests the right way—avoiding accidental breaches and ensuring compliance.
Enrol in the free course now or forward this to your team.