LEGAL

Privacy Policy

POPIA Compliant

Last updated: February 2025

The Art of Beauty is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and the National Health Act 61 of 2003. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of personal information:

Identity Information: Name, surname, ID number, date of birth, gender

Contact Information: Physical address, email address, telephone numbers

Health Information: Medical history, allergies, current medications, treatment records, photographs (with consent)

Financial Information: Payment details, billing information

Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information (when using our website)

2. How We Collect Information

We collect information directly from you when you complete patient registration forms, during consultations and treatments, when you contact us via phone, email, or WhatsApp, when you use our website, and when you provide feedback or testimonials.

3. Purpose of Processing

We process your personal information for the following purposes:

• To provide medical consultations and aesthetic treatments

• To maintain accurate medical records as required by law

• To communicate with you regarding appointments and treatment

• To process payments and manage billing

• To comply with legal and regulatory obligations

• To improve our services and patient experience

• For marketing purposes (only with your explicit consent)

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on: your consent, the necessity to perform a contract with you, compliance with legal obligations under the National Health Act and HPCSA guidelines, and our legitimate interests in providing quality healthcare services.

5. Special Personal Information

Health information is classified as "special personal information" under POPIA. We process this information only with your explicit consent and as necessary to provide medical services. This information is handled with the highest level of confidentiality and security in accordance with doctor-patient privilege.

6. Information Sharing

We may share your personal information with:

• Other healthcare providers involved in your care (with consent)

• Medical aid schemes for claims processing (where applicable)

• Regulatory bodies such as the HPCSA (when required by law)

• Service providers who assist with our practice operations (under strict confidentiality agreements)

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

7. Data Retention

Medical records are retained in accordance with the National Health Act and HPCSA guidelines, which require retention for a minimum period after your last consultation or treatment. Other personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law.

8. Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information, including secure storage of physical records, password protection and encryption for electronic records, access controls limiting who can view your information, secure communication channels, and regular security assessments.

9. Your Rights Under POPIA

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Right to Access: Request confirmation of what information we hold about you

Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information

Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)

Right to Object: Object to processing for direct marketing purposes

Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time (this does not affect prior processing)

Right to Complain: Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator

10. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Please refer to our Cookie Policy for detailed information on how we use cookies and how you can manage your preferences.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.