New Aged Care Quality Standards -

new Aged Care
Quality Standards

The Australian Government Department of Health has developed a single set of quality standards, called the Aged Care Quality Standards, which will replace the current standards. The new standards were developed by the Health Department working with a Technical Advisory Group consisting of consumer groups, service providers, academics and experts. Public consultation on the draft Aged Care Quality Standards took place in March and April 2017.

The new Aged Care Quality Standards will apply to all providers of aged care services including residential care (RACFs/nursing homes), home care, flexible care and services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program.

Unlike previous standards the new Aged Care Quality Standards will focus on quality outcomes for consumers rather than provider processes. It is expected that the consumer focus will make it easier for consumers, their families, carers and representatives to understand what they can expect from a given service and to compare services.

It is anticipated that the transition to the new Aged Care Quality Standards will commence from 1 July 2018, subject to their approval by Government. Assessment against the new Standards will commence from 1 July 2019. There will be a 12-month transition period, during which providers will continue to be assessed against current standards.