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Implementation of the Community Care Common Standards
Please find enclosed a letter advising service providers receiving Australian Government funding to deliver packaged care (Community Aged Care Packages, Extended Aged Care at Home and Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia) about the implementation of the Community Care Common Standards and quality reporting processes from 1 March 2011.
Further information about the implementation of the common standards and reporting processes in each State or Territory can be obtained through the Community Care Common Standards Helpdesk by email or by telephone on 1300 939 609. Alternatively, enquiries can also be directed to Quality Reporting.
For general queries relating to aged care, please contact the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853.
Implementation of the Community Care Common Standards
This is to confirm advice provided in recent national communications sessions that Common Standards and reporting processes came into effect on 1 March 2011 for Commonwealth packaged care programs Community Aged Care Packages (CACP), Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) and Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia (EACHD). The Common Standards also apply to the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) and the Home and Community Care (HACC) program. NRCP providers are being provided with information separately about implementation of the Common Standards in relation to their funding agreements.A copy of the Community Care Common Standards is attached for your information.
Previously differing care standards and review processes applied across programs and jurisdictions. A high proportion of community aged care service providers deliver more than one program type and were subject to these varying quality arrangements. The introduction of the common standards and reporting processes will assist service providers by helping to reduce their administrative burden while still ensuring services for care recipients are of a suitable quality
The Common Standards have now replaced the previous Community Care Standards for CACP, EACH and EACHD in the Aged Care Principles of the Aged Care Act 1997. This means that in relation to care provided on or after 1 March 2011, approved providers of packaged care must comply with the Common Standards. Quality reviews notified after 1 March 2011 will be undertaken using the Common Standards and reporting processes.
Further information about the Common Standards, including the presentation used in the national communication sessions, the Community Care Common Standards Guide, FAQs and associated resources may be accessed and downloaded at the Community Care Common Standards and Quality Reporting Documentation website.
In addition, hardcopies of the Community Care Common Standards Guide can also be ordered from National Mail and Marketing:
Product name: Community Care Common Standards Guide
Product code: STO350
Email: National Mail and Marketing
Ph: (02) 6269 1060
For further advice on the implementation of the Common Standards or any matter relating to the associated quality review processes, please contact Quality Reporting.
Yours sincerely
Lyn Murphy
A/g Assistant Secretary
Quality and Monitoring Branch
Office of Aged Care Quality and Compliance
8 March 2011
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The Community Care Common Standards
Standard 1: Effective Management
The service provider demonstrates effective management processes based on a continuous improvement approach to service management, planning and delivery.Expected Outcome 1.1: Corporate Governance
The service provider has implemented corporate governance processes that are accountable to stakeholders.Expected Outcome 1.2: Regulatory Compliance
The service provider has systems in place to identify and ensure compliance with funded program guidelines, relevant legislation, regulatory requirements and professional standards.Expected Outcome 1.3: Information Management Systems
The service provider has effective information management systems in place.Expected Outcome 1.4: Community Understanding and Engagement
The service provider understands and engages with the community in which it operates and reflects this in service planning and development.Expected Outcome 1.5: Continuous Improvement
The service provider actively pursues and demonstrates continuous improvement in all aspects of service management and delivery.Expected Outcome 1.6: Risk Management
The service provider is actively working to identify and address potential risk, to ensure the safety of service users, staff and the organisation.Expected Outcome 1.7: Human Resource Management
The service provider manages human resources to ensure that adequate numbers of appropriately skilled and trained staff/volunteers are available for the safe delivery of care and services to service users.Expected Outcome 1.8: Physical Resources
The service provider manages physical resources to ensure the safe delivery of care and services to service users and organisation personnel.Standard 2: Appropriate Access and Service Delivery
Each service user (and prospective service user) has access to services and service users receive appropriate services that are planned, delivered and evaluated in partnership with themselves and/or their representative.Expected Outcome 2.1: Service Access
Each service user’s access to services is based on consultation with the service user (and/or their representative), equity, consideration of available resources and program eligibility.Expected Outcome 2.2: Assessment
Each service user participates in an assessment appropriate to the complexity of their needs and with consideration of their cultural and linguistic diversity.Expected Outcome 2.3: Care Plan Development and Delivery
Each service user and/or their representative, participates in the development of a care/service plan that is based on assessed needs and is provided with the care and/or services described in their plan.Expected Outcome 2.4: Service User Reassessment
Each service user’s needs are monitored and regularly reassessed taking into account any relevant program guidelines and in accordance with the complexity of the service user's needs. Each service users’ care/service plans are reviewed in consultation with them.Expected Outcome 2.5: Service User Referral
The service provider refers service users (and/or their representative) to other providers as appropriate.Standard 3: Service User Rights and Responsibilities
Each service user (and/or their representative) is provided with information to assist them to make service choices and has the right (and responsibility) to be consulted and respected. Service users (and/or their representative) have access to complaints and advocacy information and processes and their privacy and confidentiality and right to independence is respected.Expected Outcome 3.1: Information Provision
Each service user, or prospective service user, is provided with information (initially and on an ongoing basis) in a format appropriate to their needs to assist them to make service choices and gain an understanding of the services available to them and their rights and responsibilities.Expected Outcome 3.2: Privacy and Confidentiality
Each service user’s right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality is respected including in the collection, use and disclosure of personal information.Expected Outcome 3.3: Complaints and Service User Feedback
Complaints and service user feedback are dealt with fairly, promptly, confidentially and without retribution.Expected Outcome 3.4: Advocacy
Each service user’s (and/or their representative’s) choice of advocate is respected by the service provider and the service provider will, if required, assist the service user (and/or their representative) to access an advocate.Expected Outcome 3.5: Independence
The independence of service users is supported, fostered and encouraged.Top of page
