The new Aged Care Act provides greater protections for older people through a new regulatory model, and by strengthening the Aged Care Quality Standards.
The Aged Care Quality Standards set the expectations and behaviours for providers and workers when delivering aged care services.
There are six registration categories under the new regulatory model:
- Home and community services
- Assistive technology and home modifications
- Advisory and support services
- Personal and care support in the home or community
- Nursing and transition care, and
- Residential care.
Services are grouped in the six categories based on similar types of care, complexity and risk.
All categories have conditions of registration, obligations, and statutory duties, which are proportionate to the service type and any potential risks of harm present.
This means provider obligations and regulatory oversight are linked to the registration categories.
All registered providers, across all categories, must comply with the Code of Conduct and act in a way that is compatible with the Statement of Rights.
Providers in registration categories 4 to 6 must also meet the relevant Aged Care Quality Standards based on the services they provide.
The Aged Care Quality Standards have been strengthened to improve care outcomes.
To find out more information, visit Health.gov.au and AgedCareQuality.gov.au