Overview
Chapter 7 explains how people working in the aged care system must handle and manage information. It includes:
- the types of information, who can use it and how they can use it
- the rules and requirements for records that former providers need to keep
- what information must or can be shared with the public
- protecting whistleblowers – people who speak up about serious issues.
Managing information in aged care
The Aged Care Act 2024 (the Act) has rules for how people must manage and protect information in the aged care system. This helps make the aged care system more transparent, accessible and accountable.
Chapter 7 sets out how people can use and disclose information. It also explains the penalties that apply when people misuse protected information. Some authorisations apply to everyone who handles relevant information. The System Governor, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner (the Commissioner), the Complaints Commissioner and others who manage the aged care system have extra authorisations to use and disclose relevant information.
Chapter 7 also includes whistleblower protections. These help to make sure that people are protected if they report that someone isn’t following the Act. Protecting whistleblowers is an important part of building a stronger and more compliant aged care system.