What is GDPR?
“The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a legal framework that sets guidelines for the collection and processing of personal information of individuals within the European Union (EU). GDPR will come into effect across the EU on May 25, 2018.” Source Investopedia
Will it impact my complementary healthcare business?
Yes. Any business which processes personal data needs to be informed and make changes within their business by 25 May 2018.
Where can I get help?
It is very important as a practitioner you receive advice directly from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and your appropriate professional body. The Association of Reflexoloigsts has recently produced some excellent advice for members, who can use it alongside that from the ICO.
Remember, we all have different ways of working, processing information and different strands to our business. Therefore, what advice may apply to one practitioner, may be different for another.
For example, some practitioners process treatment information in paper format only and some electronically. The advice on the way this is handled may be different, and it is therefore vital to receive information which applies to your business, and not copy guidance from another practitioner.
It is tempting to support each other and share wording templates etc., but please seek the correct advice for your business.
I don’t know where to start, what links are relevant to me?
To get the ball rolling, the below links are a great place to start for your business:
Guide to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Advice service for small organisations
Preparing for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 12 steps to take now
And finally…
Remember not to panic; there is time to get organised. Set some time aside in your diary to speak to the ICO, read the information at the links above and that from your professional body. Once you have done this, plan a day to put everything you have learnt into place. You can do it 🙂
The GDPR is a positive framework which will benefit us all, by protecting our personal data. I know I am thankful for it.
Kelly x