Free business advice for eligible providers
Eligible providers can apply to receive free, independent and confidential advice to support aged care reforms and improve financial and business operations through the Business Advisory Service.
Support is available to providers operating in regional, rural and remote locations and smaller providers.
Approved providers are encouraged to apply if they are experiencing financial stress and have concerns about their ability to maximise business performance and service viability.
Find more information about the Business Advisory Service, including how to apply, on the department’s website.
Webinar: Improving Clinical Governance Culture
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, as part of the Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program, is hosting the Improving Clinical Governance Culture webinar at 12pm-1pm AEDT on Wednesday 1 February.
Panel members Dr Julie Phillips, Dr Melanie Wroth and Professor Marie Bismark will discuss the importance of building a good clinical governance culture within an organisation, and the role of executive or governing body members in leading and managing clinical governance effectively.
This free online session is available for Governing for Reform Program participants only.
Register for the webinar or learn more about the Governing for Reform Program.
Home Care Packages Program: Update to Provider Portal to implement new price caps
Changes to Home Care Package (HCP) administration and management charges came into effect on 1 January 2023.
Providers impacted by the new legislative requirements must update their prices on their My Aged Care provider profile.
From 27 February 2023, providers will not be able to enter prices above the legislated caps in the Provider Portal. These system caps will only affect updated prices. Exit amount and separate third party charge fields will also be removed.
The department and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will be monitoring published prices to ensure compliance.
If you require assistance updating your profile, information is available on the My Aged Care website. You can also contact the Service Provider Helpline on 1800 836 799.
Regulatory Bulletin: Changes to Administration and Management Charges in the Home Care Packages Program
Caps to administration and management charges in the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program commenced on 1 January 2023. To assist providers, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has published a Regulatory Bulletin: Changes to Administration and Management Charges in the Home Care Packages Program.
The Bulletin provides further details on the changes and how the Commission will be monitoring and ensuring compliance. Providers are encouraged to read the Bulletin and review their current pricing arrangements to ensure they comply with these changes.
Read the Bulletin on the Commission’s website.
Reminder: Care minutes reporting due 14 February
The second Quarterly Financial Report (QFR) for 2022–23 is due in two weeks and must be submitted through Forms Administration by 14 February. You must also respond to, or action, any request to amend your submitted data by 7 March.
Care minutes data submitted after the initial due date will not be included in the calculation of Star Ratings. This will result in a 1 Star Rating for the Staffing sub-category.
View resources to assist with QFR reporting:
For care minutes reporting support, email qfr@stewartbrown.com.au