The Australian Government has announced its continued development of the possible replacement for the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI), the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC). A key preparatory step in the possible shift to a new system is to undertake independent care assessments for all new and existing permanent residential aged care recipients using the AN‑ACC assessment tool. This ‘shadow assessment’ process will commence in the first half of 2021.
The term shadow assessment reflects that the ACFI will continue to operate during this period and will be the mechanism through which funding assessments continue to be made. The AN-ACC shadow assessments will be occurring in parallel to ACFI assessments. There will be no changes to ACFI processes. The AN-ACC shadow assessment process will not impact on funding received by providers in relation to care recipients.
The preparatory work is necessary to ensure Government is prepared to respond flexibly to the final report of the Royal Commission into Quality and Safety in Aged Care. It does not reflect final decisions to shift to the AN-ACC funding model, but rather a proactive approach to ensuring reform options are available to replace the outdated ACFI.
The department has issued a request for tender to procure one or more assessment management organisations to undertake the AN-ACC shadow assessment process over a 12 month period. This includes but is not limited to Aged Care Assessment Teams and Regional Assessment Services.
The request for tender is currently open and available on the Austender website. An industry briefing is scheduled for 15 October 2020.
The department will shortly issue an additional request for tender to procure a provider to deliver training to the AN-ACC shadow assessors.
The AN-ACC trial that was suspended due to COVID in March this year will not be resumed. The trial was very successful with just under 7,400 residents assessed, providing the department with information to progress development of AN-ACC. Read the trial report.
The Government will continue to consult with the sector on implementation matters before final decisions on the commencement of AN-ACC and an ongoing assessment workforce are finalised.
For more information visit the department’s website.