Conflict of Interest Disclosure and Policy

Effective Date: 14/02/2025

PART 1 – ABOUT THIS DISCLOSURE
1.1 Purpose
Everyone Can Communicate is committed to ensuring transparency and ethical conduct in the provision of speech pathology services. As part of our commitment, this information outlines our Conflict of Interest Policy, which discloses any potential, perceived, or actual conflicts of interest that may arise in the course of providing services to you. We aim to ensure that the quality and integrity of your care is never compromised by external factors, and that any conflicts are identified, disclosed, and appropriately managed.

By engaging in our services and signing our service agreements, you consent to the disclosures outlined below. You acknowledge that you understand these potential conflicts and agree to the measures in place to address them. If you are uncomfortable with any disclosed conflict of interest, you have the right to decline services or choose an alternative provider.

In line with the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics (2020), we ensure that personal, professional, or financial interests do not influence or affect the care provided to you. We are committed to proactively identifying, disclosing, and resolving any potential, perceived, or actual conflicts of interest to maintain the highest standard of care.

1.2 Scope
This Conflict of Interest Disclosure applies to all clients seeking and/or accessing services from Everyone Can Communicate, in any capacity. The disclosures outlined herein ensure that you, as a client, are fully informed about any relationships, financial interests, or factors that could potentially influence the services we provide to you. This policy applies to all situations, including potential, perceived, or actual conflicts of interest, and is designed to maintain full transparency and uphold our professional integrity.

Our practice is guided by the principles of the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics, ensuring that services uphold the highest standards of ethical practice, focusing on autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, truth, veracity, and justice.

PART 2 – DISCLOSURE DETAILS
2.1 Ownership Interests
Our practice may have ownership interests in products or services that we recommend for use during therapy sessions. If we recommend such products or services, we will disclose this information to you in advance. You have the option to decline their use and request alternative options at any time, without affecting the care provided.

2.2 Referral Sources and Financial Relationships
We may receive referrals from certain healthcare providers or have financial relationships with third-party entities for services or products related to speech pathology. These relationships will be disclosed to you to ensure there is no undue influence on the recommendations we make regarding your care. This includes any financial interests we may have in these relationships.

2.3 Family and Personal Relationships
Due to the nature of the community and area we service, which may include regional, rural, or remote locations, it is possible that the speech pathologists in our practice may have personal or familial relationships with other clients and their families, as well as with local disability, healthcare, or school providers. These relationships may include connections with:

  • Other clients and families receiving services from us

  • Local healthcare providers and medical professionals

  • School staff or special education providers

  • Other staff members within our practice, including administrative staff

  • External community partners like social workers, counsellors, or support workers

  • Local government agencies or non-profit organisations providing healthcare or disability services

These relationships are disclosed here for transparency. If you feel any of these connections may impact your therapy, please inform us so that we can address your concerns.

2.4 Partnerships with Educational Institutions or Organisations
We may collaborate with educational institutions, research organisations, or other professional bodies in the field of speech pathology. If any of these partnerships could influence the services we offer or the methodologies we use, we will disclose this information to you.

2.5 Addressing Specific Conflicts of Interest
If a specific conflict of interest is identified, we will work with you to determine whether it can be managed in a way that does not affect the quality of your services. We will explore strategies to address the conflict while ensuring that your care remains of the highest standard. Additionally, we will assess whether it is still ethical for us to continue providing services to you under these circumstances. If we determine that it would not be appropriate or ethical to continue services, we will recommend alternative providers or services that may better support you.

PART 3 – CLIENT RIGHTS AND CHOICES
3.1 Right to Choose Not to Proceed with Services
You are under no obligation to proceed/continue with therapy services if you are uncomfortable with any disclosed conflicts of interest, or for any other reason. Should you decide not to proceed/continue, please notify us at admin@everyonecancommunicate.com, and we will cease all services. If requested, we can also provide recommendations for alternative service providers or arrangements that meet your needs.

3.2 Modifications to Disclosures
We may update or amend this Conflict of Interest Disclosure and Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this disclosure periodically to stay informed about any updates. By continuing to engage with our services after such updates, you agree to the modified disclosures, which will be effective immediately upon posting.

PART 4 – CONFIDENTIALITY POLICIES
We take your privacy and confidentiality seriously. All information regarding your therapy services is kept confidential in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including relevant privacy and healthcare standards. Any information shared with third parties will only occur with your explicit consent, except where required by law.

For full details, please refer to our Privacy Policy and your most recent signed service agreement (or contact us if you need another copy), as this contains the list of people/companies/services that you have given us explicit consent to discuss your details and care with. However, please be assured that your details will only be discussed when necessary for the provision of your therapy and in your best interest, and not for any unrelated purposes

PART 5 – CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions or concerns regarding these disclosures or your rights, please contact us:

  • Email: admin@everyonecancommunicate.com

  • Mailing Address: PO Box 775, Wallaroo, South Australia, 5556