TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF CHARNÉ BENNETT SOCIAL WORKER SERVICE
At Charné Bennett Social Worker Service, we are committed to providing high-quality social work services to our clients. These Terms and Conditions outline the terms of our relationship with our clients and are intended to ensure that all parties understand their rights and responsibilities.
DEFINITIONS AND CONSENT TO THERAPY
For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions, a “Client” refers to an individual, family, or community that receives services from our practice. Our “Services” include therapy, counseling, and other related services provided by our registered social workers. By using our Services, you consent to receiving therapy and counseling services from our practice. You understand that participation in therapy is voluntary and that you may withdraw from therapy at any time.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND RELEASE OF INFORMATION
We are bound by a professional code of conduct and adhere to the highest level of ethical standards as prescribed by the South African Council for Social Service Professions. All information shared with our social workers is confidential, except in cases where you pose a threat to yourself or others, the information is required by a Court of Law, or abuse or deliberate neglect of children is suspected. You give your informed consent for us to release information to your medical aid scheme, if necessary, and to obtain information from relevant professionals.
PAYMENT TERMS AND CANCELLATION POLICY
You are responsible for paying for all services received from our practice. Payment is due within 30 days of receipt of the invoice. If your medical aid scheme fails to pay the account within 60 days, you will be held responsible for all due amounts. Interest will be charged on overdue accounts, and you will be responsible for legal costs accumulated in order to recover the overdue amount. You must provide at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel a session. Failure to do so may result in you being charged for the full session.
POPIA COMPLIANCE AND CHILDREN’S ACT 38/2005
We are committed to complying with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and will take all reasonable steps to protect your personal information. We are also obligated to report any cases of abuse or suspected abuse of a child to a designated social worker or the South African Police Service, in accordance with the Children’s Act 38/2005.
HPCSA AND SACSSP REGULATIONS
We are subject to the regulations of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP). We will comply with all relevant laws and regulations governing the practice of social work in South Africa.
GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
These Terms and Conditions will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions will be resolved through mediation, in accordance with the rules of the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa.
CHANGES TO TERMS AND ACCEPTANCE
We reserve the right to change these Terms and Conditions at any time, without notice. You will be bound by the updated Terms and Conditions. By using our Services or website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions.
NOTICE OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
You have the right to receive respectful and dignified treatment, accurate and complete information about your treatment, participate in decisions about your treatment, refuse treatment, access your medical records, and file a complaint with the HPCSA or SACSSP. You are responsible for providing accurate and complete information about your medical history and treatment, following the recommendations of our social workers, paying for services received, and notifying us of any changes in your contact information.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY
We will not be liable for any damages or losses arising out of or in connection with our Services, except to the extent that such damages or losses are caused by our negligence or wilful misconduct. You indemnify us against any claims, damages, or losses arising out of or in connection with our Services, except to the extent that such claims, damages, or losses are caused by our negligence or wilful misconduct.
OMBUDSMAN AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
If you have any complaints or grievances about our Services, you can contact the HPCSA or SACSSP. You can also contact the Office of the Health Ombudsman, which is an independent body that investigates complaints about healthcare services. The contact details for the Office of the Health Ombudsman are:
Office of the Health Ombudsman
Private Bag X34
Pretoria, 0001
Phone: 012 319 9500
Fax: 012 319 9510
Email: info@ohsc.org.za
LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY
By using our Services or website, you acknowledge that you are aware of your legal responsibilities and obligations. You understand that you are responsible for providing accurate and complete information about your medical history and treatment, and that you must follow the recommendations of our social workers. You also understand that you are responsible for paying for services received and notifying us of any changes in your contact information.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND AMENDMENTS
These Terms and Conditions constitute the entire agreement between us and you, and supersede all prior negotiations, understandings, and agreements between the parties. These Terms and Conditions may not be amended or modified except in writing signed by both parties.
SEVERABILITY
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
GOVERNING LANGUAGE
These Terms and Conditions will be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa, and any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions will be resolved in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.