About the new regulations
New regulations set out how the aged care sector will operate under the new Aged Care Act.
This includes more protections to make sure that aged care in Australia is high quality and safe for older people.
It is designed to:
- improve outcomes and protections for older people
- promote care that is person-centred and rights-based
- emphasise stronger working relationships between older people, providers and government agencies
- provide more transparency and collaboration
- support:
- the strengthened Quality Standards
- planned reforms to in-home care.
It responds to 18 recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
New aged care regulatory model – Questions and answers – Webinar
How the new model will work
New regulations emphasise stronger working relationships, transparency and collaboration between aged care providers, the department, and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC).
New regulations change:
- how providers enter, remain and exit the sector
- provider obligations and reporting
- regulatory oversight of the sector
- how complaints and feedback are managed
- how information is available to older people.
These changes seek to:
- increase protections for older people
- empower them to exercise their rights
- promote a new set of values and behaviours across the sector
- improve provider capability, sector sustainability and public confidence in the system and providers
- recognise and celebrate providers who are innovative and deliver high quality care.
Providers delivering government-funded aged care will need to:
- be registered
- apply to have this registration renewed regularly.
Read more about how the new model will work.
New programs to be regulated
For the first time, the Act will regulate the:
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
- National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC) Program.
Learn about obligations for CHSP and NATSIFAC programs.
More information about these changes will be provided to CHSP and NATSIFAC providers shortly. For the time being, you don’t have to do anything.
Contact us for more information
Provider obligations and support
When the new Act starts, you will need to meet the obligations of your registration categories set out in the new model.
Learn more about your obligations and how we are supporting you to transition to the new model.
Next steps
We are working to prepare providers for the transition to the new regulations when the new Aged Care Act starts.
Learn more with our latest resources.
Find out about the consultation we undertook to design the new regulatory model.
Related information
Read more about the:
- new Aged Care Act
- Aged Care Quality Standards
- Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
- Support at Home Program
- Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
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