What we know about Freida
- Freida has been a registered nurse practitioner for 15 years.
- Freida works as an independent contractor and is contracted by a registered provider.
- Freida delivers nursing care for the provider under the Support at Home program.
Associated provider consideration under the Act
- Freida is considered an aged care worker under the Act.
- Freida is not considered an associated provider.
- Even though Freida is an independent contractor, she delivers care on behalf of, and under the direction of, a registered provider.
- The registered provider remains responsible for ensuring Freida meets all aged care worker requirements, including screening and qualifications to deliver services.
- Freida remains responsible for maintaining her nursing registration requirements through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), including ongoing professional development and training.
Section 11(4) and 11 (6) of the Aged Care Act 2024 define an aged care worker and an associated provider.
The Aged Care Provider Requirements Search tool can assist Freida to determine her requirements as an aged care worker.
What this means for Freida
The new Act will benefit Freida through:
- Providing a safer care culture: The new Act creates a safer, fairer system that benefits workers and the people they care for.
- Simplified compliance: The registered provider retains responsibility for screening and qualification requirements, and all requirements under the Act, relating to its registration, so Freida does not need to manage these independently.
Clearer responsibilities and guidance: Through the Statement of Principles and Code of Conduct, workers have clear expectations for compliant behaviour and decision-making, reducing ambiguity.
Date last updated: