Privacy and other policies
Introduction
This website, www.sonyabyron.com.au, is owned and operated by Sonya Byron trading as Sonya Byron Plant Medicine, ABN 36 336 899 771. If you have any questions or would like further information about this website and/or these policies, please email sonyabyronnaturopath@gmail.com
Qualifications
Sonya Byron holds a:
Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) degree, from the Australasian College of Natural Therapies, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology, Political science) degree, from Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
International Yoga Teachers Training Certificate (six month - 1400 hour - residential course), from the International Centre for Yoga Education and Research, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, India.
Professional memberships
Sonya Byron is a full practicing member of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA), member number 156128:
https://www.nhaa.org.au/public/find-a-practitioner/find-a-practitioner-listing/2155-sonya-byron-sonya-byron-plant-medicine
Sonya Byron is an accredited Yoga teacher with the Gitananda Yoga Association of Australia (GYAA): http://www.gitananda-australia.org/members.html
Codes of Conduct and Ethics
As a naturopath and Yoga teacher, Sonya Byron adheres to the requirements of various codes covering her professional practice:
Code of Conduct for Unregistered Health Professionals: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/phact/Documents/coc-unregistered-practitioners.pdf
NHAA Code of Ethics, Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia: http://www.nhaa.org.au/docs/Code_of_Ethics.pdf
Provider Responsibility
Sonya Byron is committed to ensuring her professional knowledge and skills remain current, exceeding the Continuing Professional Development requirements of her professional association, extensively researching her clients’ health conditions, and taking all reasonable care and due diligence and pursuing best practice in all that she does.
Consumer Responsibility
As a client of Sonya Byron Plant Medicine, it is your responsibility to follow your prescribed treatment plan to the best of your ability, by following any dietary and lifestyle advice provided and by taking any prescribed herbal and nutritional supplements as directed.
It is your responsibility to immediately inform Sonya Byron Plant Medicine of any abnormal or unexpected events or symptoms associated with the suggested treatment plan, and to discontinue use of any prescribed products until Sonya Byron Plant Medicine has assessed the situation and, if necessary, reported the event to the relevant authority.
Sonya Byron Plant Medicine is not responsible for any treatment that you self-prescribe, for any over-the-counter products that you choose to use, or for any mistakes in dosing if you do not strictly follow your treatment plan.
Any prescriptions dispensed are solely for your own use and may not be shared with any other person under any circumstances.
Important safety information
Every client is an individual, with their own unique genetic, dietary and lifestyle, and other factors that are beyond the control of any health care practitioner. There is therefore always a risk that a client will react in an idiosyncratic way to the proposed treatment. You will obtain the most benefit from your consultations with Sonya Byron Plant Medicine and reduce your risk of any idiosyncratic reactions if you follow your recommended treatment plan as closely as possible and advise Sonya Byron as soon as possible if any safety questions or concerns arise.
Naturopaths are not medical doctors and do not perform invasive procedures or certain physical examinations, prescribe pharmaceutical drugs, or diagnose diseases. Rather, they provide dietary and lifestyle recommendations and herbal and nutritional remedies that may assist the body to return to a state of balance in which healing may occur. In this way, naturopaths can collaboratively support you in managing a diagnosis provided by your GP, specialist, or other qualified allied health practitioner.
It is important to advise your GP, specialist or other qualified allied health practitioner before commencing any naturopathic medicine treatment that may affect or interact with any primary treatment provided by your other practitioners. It is your responsibility to be transparent with your entire healthcare team in regard to which health care treatments, procedures, medications or supplements you are choosing.
Sonya Byron Plant Medicine’s services are primarily suited to persons seeking naturopathic advice and support, combining dietary and lifestyle recommendations with herbal and nutritional remedies. Sonya Byron Plant Medicine’s services are not intended for anyone experiencing life threatening medical conditions or requiring life saving medical treatment. In all instances, if Sonya Byron believes that your health concerns are beyond the scope of her professional practice or that your health care needs would be better provided for by another practitioner with different qualifications or experience, she will refer you to another medical or allied health care practitioner more appropriate to your needs.
Limitation of Liability
Sonya Byron Plant Medicine makes all reasonable effort to ensure that our services meet with the highest standards of professional practice. If something goes wrong that is not a direct result of our negligence, misrepresentation or deliberate fault, however, you agree that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, we will not be liable for any damages whatsoever, including but without limitation, any direct, indirect, special, consequential, punitive or incidental damages, or damages for loss of use, profits, data or other intangibles, damage to goodwill or reputation, or the cost of procurement of substitute goods and services, arising out of or related to the use, inability to use, performance or failures of our website, any products or services purchased through it, or any material posted on it, irrespective of whether such damages were foreseeable or arise in contract, tort, equity, restitution, by statute, at common law or otherwise.
Privacy
If you engage with Sonya Byron Plant Medicine via this website, by telephone, Zoom, or email, or through social media, or if you choose to become a client of Sonya Byron Plant Medicine, you may be providing your personal information. This policy describes how Sonya Byron Plant Medicine collects and manages your personal information. If you have any questions about this policy or about how your personal information is being collected and managed, please contact sonyabyronnaturopath@gmail.com.
The personal information required to provide professional health care services of a high standard is often very sensitive in nature. Sonya Byron understands that you are trusting her to keep this information confidential, and she takes this responsibility very seriously. She acts in accordance with all key legislative and regulatory requirements for respecting and maintaining the privacy of client information.
The two key Acts are the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIP Act), which regulates non-health personal information, and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (HRIP Act), which protects health-related personal information. These are legal obligations which NSW public sector agencies and private sector organisations must abide by when they collect, hold, use or disclose a person’s health information.
The 15 Health Privacy Principles (HPPs) provide the framework for the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (HRIP Act) and they cover the following areas: http://www.ipc.nsw.gov.au/health-privacy-principles-hpps-explained-members-public
Collection of information: must be lawful, relevant, direct, and open.
Storage of personal information: must be secure.
Access and accuracy of information: must be transparent, accessible, correct and accurate.
Use of information: limited to the purpose for which it was collected, or if for a different purpose, specific consent is required.
Disclosure: limited and only with consent (e.g. providing information to another health professional on your behalf).
Identifiers and anonymity: as required and able.
Transferrals and linkages: controlled and authorised.
Further information about privacy protection is available from the Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner: www.privacy.gov.au, Privacy Hotline 1300-363-992
At Sonya Byron Plant Medicine, personal information collected in the context of a consultation includes your name, date of birth, address, contact telephone number/s, and email address, as well as consent to contact other health care professionals if appropriate. This information is used to contact you directly regarding your consultations, appointments, or treatment plan. It may also be used to provide you with information regarding the clinic in general or with de-identified group newsletters. Your email address will not be disclosed to any other party without your knowledge and consent. You can opt to not be contacted by email any time.
During your consultation, personal information including your physical, mental and emotional health history and concerns, your diet and lifestyle, and your family medical history is also collected. This information enables Sonya Byron to understand your health issues and to personalise recommendations specific to your needs. This information will not be given to other parties, including family members, without your explicit consent. Your personal information may be disclosed for purposes relating to your health care (e.g. to write a referral letter to another health care practitioner for you, to order testing from a laboratory, to order supplements from a supplier, or to send products that you have purchased) or for regulatory reporting and compliance purposes. You will always be advised in advance and your consent will obtained before any information is disclosed. Sonya Byron Plant Medicine may also disclose your information if required by law to do so or in circumstances expressly permitted by the Privacy Act. For example, if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that unlawful activity or misconduct of a serious nature relating to our functions or activities has been, is being or may be engaged in, and in response to a subpoena, discovery request or a court order.
Personal information will be collected from children under the age of 14 years only in the presence of their parent or guardian or with their parent or guardian’s consent. From the age of 14, a minor may be mature enough to give their own consent. Sonya Byron will assess whether a young person is capable of consenting or not, and if her professional opinion is that he/she is not, she will seek the consent of the young person’s parent or guardian. From 16 years of age, the consent of a young person will generally be viewed as sufficient. All information collected from minors will be securely collected and stored in accordance with this privacy policy.
You may choose not to provide Sonya Byron Plant Medicine with your personal information at any time. However, if you choose not to provide this, Sonya Byron Plant Medicine may not be able to provide you with the services that you request. Please be advised that naturopaths are legally required to identify clients by collecting their names and addresses, and that if you elect not to provide this information, Sonya Byron cannot legally offer her services to you.
You can contact Sonya Byron Plant Medicine to access, correct or update your personal information at any time by emailing sonyabyronnaturopath@gmail.com. Sonya Byron will endeavour to make your information available to you within 30 business days, unless she is subject to a confidentiality obligation or some other restriction on giving access to the information which permits her to refuse you access under the Privacy Act, and she believe that there is a valid reason for doing so.
Client files
Client files are required in order to record your health history and your reason/s for seeking assistance, assessments and advice. Your file is a professional record of interaction and treatment and enables accurate review and modification of treatment recommendations over time. Sonya Byron Plant Medicine’s client files are stored online/in the cloud using secure practice management software called Simple Clinic, accessed via a password protected computer, and/or stored in hard copy files in a locked filing cabinet at the practitioner’s private residence.
Further information about Simple Clinic’s security policy is available here:
Simple Clinic - https://docs.simpleclinic.net/patient-privacy-policy/
Sonya Byron Plant Medicine is very committed to securely storing and handling your personal information, and takes all reasonable physical, technical and administrative precautions to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access, modification and disclosure. Only Sonya Byron and/or her authorised team members will have access to your personal information, and any archived personal information will be securely destroyed after 7 years.
Your personal information may also be stored with the following third-party providers, where it will be managed under their security policies:
Zoom: https://zoom.us/docs/en-us/privacy-and-security.html
Squarespace: https://www.squarespace.com/privacy
Mailchimp: https://mailchimp.com/about/security/
Third parties
Sonya Byron Plant Medicine does not sell, trade or transfer User Information to third parties.
Delivery and shipping
Delivery of consultations is in person at our clinic in Blaxland, in the lower Blue Mountains of NSW, or online using Zoom. Confirmations will be sent automatically via our Simple Clinic client management software. After booking your consultation and receiving your confirmation by text message, please email sonyabyronnaturopath@gmail.com if you would like to conduct your consultation via Zoom.
Shipping costs for any herbal or nutritional supplements to be sent to you will be estimated and added to your invoice. Payment of invoices must be received before products will be ordered and shipped. Please advise Sonya Byron Plant Medicine as soon as possible in the event that your expected delivery is not received so that we can assist you in locating it.
Payment Terms and Conditions
Sonya Byron Plant Medicine accept payment by electronic payment via Square and bank transfer. Your personal account and credit card details are handled by the third-party payment provider or banking institution under their security policy.
Payment for your consultation and for any prescribed herbal or nutritional supplements that you approve is expected on the day of the consultation. In the case of online consultation bookings, a percentage of the consult fee may be charged in advance to avoid no show situations or last-minute cancellations.
Missed Consultations and Late Cancellation Fees
Please note that a minimum of 48 hours’ advance notice is required to reschedule or cancel an appointment. Failure to attend an appointment without providing the required notice will incur a cancellation fee of 100% of the value of the scheduled appointment. Sonya Byron Plant Medicine may, at their sole discretion, allow you to rebook your missed consultation in the event of an emergency or circumstances beyond your control.
Refunds and Returns
Sonya Byron Plant Medicine does not offer refunds for change of mind, so you are encouraged to consider carefully whether our services or products are appropriate for you before your book your consultation or purchase your product.
If a product we have invoiced you for is no longer available due to out of stock issues or discontinuation, we will offer you a credit, refund or a suitable replacement, per your preference. A credit, refund or replacement will also be offered for faulty goods. Please be advised that personalised liquid herbal medicine formulas cannot be refunded under any circumstances. Any shipping charges incurred returning goods will also not be refunded. Please ensure that you use a trackable or signed-for delivery service such as registered post if you are making a return, as we cannot provide a credit, refund or replacement until the returned item is received. Credits are valid for 1 year from the date of issue, unless specified otherwise.
Sonya Byron Plant Medicine takes its obligations under Australian Consumer Law seriously and we will do our best to address any issues that arise. However, even in the event of a major problem with a service or product provided, our liability is strictly limited to providing the service again or replacing the product provided.
Website terms and conditions/Content disclaimer
This policy details the Terms and Conditions you should be aware of when using this website. Please review them thoroughly, as they detail your rights and obligations.
There are a number of ways you may choose to engage with Sonya Byron Plant Medicine that are available to book or to purchase through this website. The terms and conditions in this policy, and in all of the policies contained within this website, apply to all of our services and products, unless alternative terms and conditions are explicitly stated.
When you visit this website, book and make use of Sonya Byron Plant Medicine’s services, or purchase a product, you agree that you are over the age of 18 years and are willing to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and the other policies contained within this website. If you don’t accept this agreement, please do not continue to visit this website, book or use Sonya Byron Plant Medicine’s services, or purchase our products.
The content on the pages of this website, on our social media channels, and on our other communication channels (e.g. email newsletter) may include recipes, guides, checklists, quizzes, ebooks, etc. pertaining to naturopathy, Yoga and natural health, and is offered to you for your general information, education and personal development/use only. It is not equivalent to or a substitute for a consultation with an accredited health professional. Sonya Byron Plant Medicine is not responsible for actions or decisions made by individuals on the basis of any information provided, and you are advised to consult with a qualified and experienced health care practitioner for expert advice and treatment specific to your individual needs.
The content on the pages of this website, our social media channels, and on our other communication channels is also subject to change without notice, including these terms and conditions. Sonya Byron Plant Medicine may at any time and without notice, vary, modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, any or all of this content.
Sonya Byron Plant Medicine takes all reasonable care to provide accurate information, but cannot guarantee the completeness, currency or appropriateness of information on this site, our social media channels, or on our other communication channels for your individual needs. In accessing this site or these channels, you acknowledge that the information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and that we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.
While Sonya Byron Plant Medicine takes every care to ensure that the content provided is safe, we are not responsible for viruses, other technologically harmful material, or any other damage which might occur due to downloading material from this site or from our channels. It is your responsibility to maintain adequate and up to date internet security.
This web site and our other communications may also provide links to other web sites, which Sonya Byron believes may be of use to her clients. Sonya Byron Plant Medicine is not responsible for the privacy policies, practises or content of such third party websites. These links are provided for your interest only and linkage does not imply that Sonya Byron Plant Medicine verifies, endorses, approves or agrees with third party websites. You are encouraged to read and understand the privacy policies on those web sites prior to providing any information to them. Sonya Byron Plant Medicine is not a party to any transactions you may enter into with external website providers.
In sum, Sonya Byron Plant Medicine does not make any guarantees or warranties about the accuracy of any information displayed on this website or through our communication channels, with the exception of any non-excludable consumer guarantees and other consumer protection provisions set out in the Australian Consumer Law.
Intellectual Property and Copyright
All material on this website and provided through our social media and other communication channels, unless otherwise specified, is owned by Sonya Byron, of Sonya Byron Plant Medicine, and is protected by copyright laws and treaties around the world with all rights reserved. Commercial use or reproduction of this information in any way is not permitted without prior written approval by Sonya Byron Plant Medicine.
Information on this site may be accessed by you and used for personal, non-commercial purposes only. You are welcome to display, store or print the content supplied solely for your own personal use. You are also welcome to share all publicly available content through social media, with appropriate acknowledgement.
You may also link to this website, provided that you do so in a way that is fair and legal and does not damage our reputation or take advantage of it. You must not establish a link in such a way as to suggest any form of association, approval or endorsement on our part where none exists.
Cookies and Google Analytics
This website uses “cookies”. Cookies are small data files that are commonly used by web sites to improve a user’s experience. You can configure your browser settings to not accept cookies, however, doing so may interfere with the functioning of this website.
This website uses the following cookies:
Google Analytics: to collect information about the use of this website in order to improve its functionality. Further information about the information Google collects and how it is used is available here: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/6004245.
Google also offers an add-on for your browser to provide for opt-out and to prevent your data from being used by Google Analytics. Further information is available here: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
Communication
Sonya Byron Plant Medicine reserves the right to delete any comments on our website or on our social media channels which we deem to be disrespectful, offensive or otherwise unacceptable, for any reason and at any time. Please be kind and before you comment, consider the potential impact of your words on other people.
Dispute resolution
In the event that either Sonya Byron Plant Medicine or you have any concerns in regard to our provision of services and products, your use of our website or other communication channels, or the policies contained in this website, it is hereby agreed that we will communicate respectfully and kindly, and with genuine intent to achieve a mutually acceptable solution and to resolve any dispute by discussion and negotiation in the first instance. Please email any concerns to sonyabyronnaturopath@gmail.com
In the event that we are unable to resolve any dispute by discussion and negotiation, you may contact the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia for advice here: https://www.nhaa.org.au/public/feedback-complaints.
This agreement is subject to the governing laws of the state of NSW, Australia. Regardless of where you reside, you agree that if the above dispute resolution processes fail, the courts of NSW, and the Commonwealth of Australia, will have exclusive jurisdiction.
