Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to personal information handled by AMSA through its website, membership programs, professional certification activities, education services, events, forms, correspondence and other operations.

Personal information is information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable, whether the information is true or not and whether it is recorded in material form or not.

The information AMSA collects will depend on the individual's relationship and interaction with AMSA. This may include:

AMSA may also collect records of enquiries, complaints, disciplinary matters, professional conduct concerns, correspondence and other information reasonably required to administer its standards, membership or certification programs.

AMSA will generally collect personal information directly from the individual. Information may be collected when an individual:

• submits a membership or certification application;
• creates or updates an online account;
• enrols in a course, event or professional program;
• contacts AMSA by telephone, email, website form or post;
• uploads qualifications, certificates or supporting records;
• requests inclusion in the Find a Professional directory;
• makes a payment or purchases an AMSA service;
• responds to a survey or provides feedback;
• submits a complaint, report or professional enquiry; or
• uses the AMSA website or online services.

AMSA may also receive information from an authorised representative, employer, training provider, insurer, professional referee, regulatory body, publicly available source or another third party where the individual has consented or the collection is otherwise permitted by law.

AMSA may use personal information for purposes connected with its functions and services, including to:

• assess and process membership applications and renewals;
• verify qualifications, identity and professional information;
• issue membership numbers, certificates and credentials;
• administer professional certification and recognition programs;
• maintain membership, education and CPD records;
• provide courses, events, resources and member services;
• operate the Find a Professional directory;
• communicate important membership and service information;
• respond to enquiries, feedback and complaints;
• administer codes of conduct, standards and disciplinary processes;
• process payments, refunds and financial records;
• improve AMSA's website, programs and user experience;
• protect AMSA, its members and the public from misuse or fraud;
• comply with legal and regulatory obligations; and
• carry out other purposes disclosed at the time of collection.

AMSA may request copies of qualifications, training records, certificates, insurance documents, identity documents and other evidence relevant to an application or professional credential.

AMSA may take reasonable steps to verify this information with the issuing training provider, educational institution, professional body, insurer, referee or other relevant organisation.

Applicants and members are responsible for providing accurate, complete and current information. Providing false, altered, misleading or incomplete records may result in an application being declined or membership or certification being reviewed.

AMSA may operate a public Find a Professional directory to help consumers locate AMSA members and verify selected professional information.

A directory profile may display information such as:

• the member's name and professional title;
• AMSA membership or credential status;
• business or clinic name;
• general service location or service area;
• professional contact details;
• areas of practice or services offered;
• website or business profile links; and
• other information authorised for public display.

AMSA will not intentionally publish private residential contact information unless the member has expressly supplied that information as their professional public contact information.

Members may request correction, temporary suppression or removal of optional directory information by contacting AMSA. Certain limited status information may remain available where reasonably necessary to verify an AMSA-issued credential or protect the integrity of AMSA's services.

AMSA may collect payment-related information when an individual pays a membership fee, course fee, event fee or other charge.

Payments may be processed by third-party payment providers. AMSA may receive transaction references, payment status, payment method details and limited billing information, but may not receive or retain complete payment card details where those details are processed directly by the payment provider.

Payment providers handle information in accordance with their own privacy policies, security practices and contractual obligations.

The AMSA website may use cookies and similar technologies. Cookies are small data files stored on a device that help a website function, remember preferences, maintain secure sessions and understand how visitors use the website.

AMSA may use essential, functional, security, analytics and performance cookies. Third-party services may also place cookies or collect technical information when they are integrated into the website.

Visitors may be able to control or disable cookies through their browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality, account access or online forms.

AMSA does not sell personal information.

AMSA may disclose personal information where reasonably necessary to operate its services, where an individual has consented or where disclosure is authorised or required by law. Recipients may include:

• website, hosting and information technology providers;
• membership and customer-management platforms;
• payment processors and financial service providers;
• email, communication and document-storage providers;
• education, event and learning-management providers;
• professional advisers, auditors and insurers;
• training providers or credential-issuing organisations;
• contractors supporting AMSA's administration;
• government, regulatory, law-enforcement or court authorities; and
• other parties authorised by the individual.

AMSA will take reasonable steps to limit disclosure to information relevant to the purpose for which it is being disclosed.

AMSA takes reasonable administrative, technical and physical measures to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

No website, transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Individuals should protect their account credentials and notify AMSA promptly if they suspect unauthorised access.

Where required, AMSA will assess suspected eligible data breaches and comply with applicable notification obligations.

Some service providers used by AMSA may store or process information outside Australia or use global cloud infrastructure.

The countries in which information may be handled will depend on the providers AMSA uses from time to time. AMSA will take reasonable steps, where required, to ensure overseas handling is consistent with applicable Australian privacy obligations.

More specific information about overseas providers may be supplied on request where reasonably available.

Individuals may request access to personal information AMSA holds about them and may request correction of information that is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading.

AMSA may need to verify the requester's identity before providing access or making changes. In some circumstances, access may be refused or limited where permitted by law. If this occurs, AMSA will generally provide written reasons and information about available complaint options.

Members should also update information through their online account where that functionality is available.

AMSA may send operational communications concerning membership, applications, renewals, certifications, courses, policy updates, safety matters, account activity and other services requested by the individual.

AMSA may also send newsletters, professional updates, event information or promotional communications where permitted. Recipients may unsubscribe from optional marketing messages by using the unsubscribe facility provided or by contacting AMSA.

Unsubscribing from marketing communications will not prevent AMSA from sending essential administrative or service-related notices.

A person who has a question or complaint about AMSA's handling of personal information should contact AMSA using the details at the end of this policy.

The enquiry or complaint should provide sufficient information for AMSA to understand the issue and investigate it. AMSA will acknowledge and respond within a reasonable period, taking into account the nature and complexity of the matter.

If the individual is not satisfied with AMSA's response and the Privacy Act applies, they may be entitled to contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

AMSA may retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to provide services, maintain professional records, resolve disputes, protect the integrity of AMSA credentials, satisfy insurance or audit requirements and comply with legal, accounting and regulatory obligations.

When personal information is no longer required and AMSA is not legally or operationally required to retain it, AMSA will take reasonable steps to destroy it or permanently de-identify it.

Certain historical records relating to issued credentials, disciplinary decisions, revoked status or professional verification may need to be retained to protect AMSA, consumers and the integrity of its programs.

AMSA's primary membership and professional services are intended for adults and professional practitioners.

Where AMSA provides an education, event or other service that may involve a person under 18, AMSA may require consent or involvement from a parent, guardian or authorised representative and will take reasonable steps appropriate to the individual's age and circumstances.

AMSA may update this Privacy Policy when its services, technology, legal obligations or information-handling practices change.

The current version will be published on this page and will show the date on which it was last updated. Significant changes may also be communicated through the website, member accounts or direct communications where appropriate.