GPAC-N Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Reviewed: Annually or as required

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern access to and use of the GP Aged Care Network (“GPAC-N”) portal, services, and support. By accessing or using GPAC-N’s portal or services, you (“the User”, including GPs, independent practitioners, staff, or contractors) agree to comply with these Terms.

2. Our Commitment and Shared Values

GPAC-N is committed to collaborative, high-quality aged care through the following values:

  • Reciprocity: Mutual benefit and respectful give-and-take.

  • Autonomy: GPs and practitioners retain clinical independence.

  • Honesty and Integrity: Transparent communication and ethical conduct.

  • Equity: Fair access and processes.

  • Loyalty: Commitment to the network’s shared vision.

3. Support Services

  • GPAC-N provides support services including administrative, practice management, nursing, accreditation, digital systems, and secure facilities to enable independent GPs and entities to deliver clinical care in RACFs.

  • Fees for these services are funded through relevant incentive payments as agreed. GPs retains all clinical billings (Medicare/DVA/private/Workcover/etc).

  • Any future incentive payment programs or fee changes will be communicated and agreed in writing.

4. Clinical Autonomy and Responsibility

  • Each GP is responsible for their clinical decisions, care planning, and patient management, within the scope of evidence-based medicine and in accordance with relevant laws and standards.

  • GPAC-N provides systems, resources, and support but does not interfere with clinical judgement.

5. Team-Based and Shared Care

  • Care is delivered via a team-based model. Patients may be supported by nurses, allied health, registrars, or alternate GPs during periods of unavailability.

  • Consent for team-based/shared care is obtained at registration. The patient’s usual GP remains responsible for oversight.

  • All team members follow strict privacy, governance, and communication standards.

6. Communication and Patient Rights

  • GPAC-N communicates with patients, families, and substitute decision-makers in a respectful, inclusive, and accessible manner, in compliance with all relevant legislation and RACGP Standards.

  • Interpreter and accessibility services are available as required.

  • All communications are documented and securely managed.

  • Patients have the right to be treated with dignity, fairness, and without discrimination. GPAC-N complies with all Commonwealth, state, and territory anti-discrimination laws.

7. Privacy, Data Protection, and Security

  • GPAC-N collects, uses, stores, and shares personal and health information in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), RACGP 5th Edition Standards, and other relevant legislation.

  • Information is collected to deliver care, manage payments, comply with accreditation, and improve services.

  • Access to personal information is limited to authorised personnel. All staff and providers must maintain strict confidentiality.

  • GPAC-N uses encrypted, secure electronic medical records and cloud platforms. Website usage data is anonymised.

  • AI-assisted clinical documentation is used only with patient consent, and no identifiable information is retained by the AI software. All AI-generated notes are deleted from the tool after review.

  • For further detail, refer to the GPAC-N Privacy Policy.

8. Access and Use of GPAC-N Portal and Services

  • The GPAC-N portal is for authorised users only. You must keep login details secure and notify GPAC-N of any unauthorised access.

  • Use of the portal must comply with all applicable laws, standards, and policies, including data protection, privacy, and anti-discrimination laws.

  • Any attempt to misuse, disrupt, or gain unauthorised access to GPAC-N systems is strictly prohibited.

9. Responsibilities of Users

  • GPs and entities must:

    • Disclose any audit activity (PSR, ATO) related to their work with GPAC-N.

    • Maintain their own tax, superannuation, and insurance obligations.

    • Provide evidence of qualifications, current registration, CPD, CPR, and immunisation history as required for accreditation.

    • Inform GPAC-N of their billing preferences and policies.

    • Provide timely notice of planned leave and support care handover as needed.

    • Disclose any material conflicts of interest that could affect care or create risk.

    • Treat all patients, staff, and partners with respect and courtesy.

10. Intellectual Property

  • Joint intellectual property developed through collaboration will be jointly owned unless otherwise agreed in writing.

11. Confidentiality

  • Users must not disclose or misuse confidential information, including patient data and GPAC-N business information, except as required by law or with written consent.

12. Withdrawal and Termination

  • GPAC-N reserves the right to withdraw services if a provider is unfit for practice, guilty of unprofessional conduct, or engages in behaviour harmful to the network.

  • Upon withdrawal or termination, both parties agree to resolve payments, access, and information handover promptly.

    15. Complaints and Contact

  • Privacy or service complaints may be directed to privacy@gpacn.org.au or to the GPAC-N Privacy Officer.

  • If unresolved, complaints may be escalated to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

By accessing the GPAC-N portal and using our services, you confirm you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.