Email: info@alphahuman.co.za
Address: 150 Rivonia Road, Rivonia Office Park, Sandton, South Africa, 2196

Informed Consent for the Processing and Use of Personal Information in Terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”)

1. Introduction

This document was prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”). The POPI Act promotes the right to privacy and aims to protect the Personal Information of consumers. POPIA has its origins in the Constitution of South Africa, given that the Bill of Rights states that “Every person has the right to privacy”. Each individual’s Personal Information forms part of this right to privacy, and POPIA is the legislation that aims to ensure that Personal Information is granted certain levels of protection when it comes into the hands of private or public organisations.

• Alphahuman is a medical practice providing medical services to patients. The practice collects and processes Personal Information mainly to provide access to products and services, improve offerings, and maintain contractual relationships.
• Information collected includes: Name, Address, Identity Number, Medical Aid number, email address, telephone/cell number, emergency contact number(s), and alternative contact numbers.
• The practice processes Personal Information by collecting, recording, receiving, collating, organising, sharing, storing, using, handling, transferring, retaining, archiving, and managing such information.
• Processing requires express and informed consent, including consent for minor or dependent patients where applicable.

2. Definitions

• Data Subject: The person to whom the information relates.
• Responsible Party: The person or entity who determines why and how Personal Information is processed.

3. Purpose

I consent to the practice sharing my Personal Information in accordance with POPIA and within the Doctor-Patient relationship with selected healthcare providers, medical schemes, administrators, service providers, business partners, and contracted third parties.

• To give effect to my contractual relationship with the practice.
• To provide medical or specialist services and referrals.
• To provide reports to indemnity or insurance providers.
• To comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
• To notify me of changes to products or services.
• For audit and record-keeping purposes.
• To protect the legitimate interests of all parties.
• To store Personal Health Information securely.
• To furnish medical schemes with relevant service information.
• To access medical scheme benefits.
• To provide emergency medical services.
• To provide specialists access to Personal Health Information.
• For legal proceedings, including debt collection.

I understand that without consent, the practice cannot commence treatment or share Personal Information with required service providers.

4. Right to Withhold Consent

I understand that I may withhold consent at any time. However, withholding consent will prevent the practice from providing medical services.

5. Storage of Personal Information

Personal Information will be stored securely in electronic and hard-copy formats. Hard copies will be stored under lock and key. Information will be retained as required by law or indemnity providers and destroyed thereafter.

6. Retention of Personal Information

Personal Information will not be retained longer than necessary, except where required by law, business necessity, or contractual obligations.

7. Disclosure of Personal Information

Personal Information may be disclosed to medical schemes, healthcare providers, specialists, laboratories, pathologists, emergency services, and related parties. All disclosures will comply with POPIA confidentiality and security requirements.

8. Objection to Processing

I have the right to object to processing on reasonable grounds. Processing will cease unless compelling legitimate grounds exist or legal claims require it.

9. Right to Withdraw Consent

I may withdraw consent in writing at any time, provided that such withdrawal does not affect contractual obligations.

10. Transfer Outside South Africa

I consent to the transfer of Personal Information outside South Africa where necessary and where adequate data protection laws exist.

11. Access to Personal Information

I may request access to my Personal Information free of charge by submitting a written request to the Information Officer.

12. Right to Correction or Erasure

I may request correction or erasure of Personal Information that is inaccurate, outdated, or unlawfully held. I acknowledge my responsibility to keep my information updated.

13. Marketing

The practice will not share Personal Information with third parties for marketing purposes. The practice may communicate its own products and services, from which I may opt out in writing.

Declaration

• I will not hold the practice responsible for losses arising from the lawful use of Personal Information.
• I indemnify the practice against misuse by third-party healthcare providers.
• I consent to sharing diagnosis and clinical information with medical schemes or administrators.
• I confirm that I understand and accept these terms freely and without coercion.
• I confirm I have authority to consent on behalf of my dependants where applicable.