Have your say: Provider feedback on strengthened Quality Standards requested

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is seeking provider feedback on the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, beginning a consultation on several draft guidance resources. Introduced in 2019, the new-look Quality Standards are a significant revamp of the Quality Standards, with individuals further prioritised at the centre of care.

Key points

• There are eight existing Quality Standards that ensure the care and services aged care providers deliver are safe, high-quality and meet the needs and preferences of older people
• The new strengthened Quality Standards will feature a revised seven Quality Standards, with Standard 1: The Person central to the other six
• Each Quality Standard includes an expectation statement for older people, the intent of each standard, enforceable outcomes and actions to be demonstrated by a provider
• They will come into effect when the new Aged Care Act is passed into legislation, which should occur from July 1, 2024

The Commission has released eight draft guidance documents for aged care providers, employees and stakeholders to review, with April 30, 2024, the final day feedback will be accepted. They have stated that insights regarding potential information gaps in the guidance documentation are among the top priority areas. 

“We welcome responses from providers, aged care workers, older people and their representatives, and other stakeholders. Your responses will help us to produce resources that are fit-for-purpose, easy to understand and support the delivery of quality, person-centred aged care,” The Commission stated.

“We are particularly interested to hear about any information you think is missing or that needs further explanation. The draft resources aim to provide the information a provider needs to meet the Quality Standards while providing safe, quality aged care. If this is not the case, let us know what improvements we can make.”

Providers are urged to pass on any relevant questions while additional questions to consider are provided in the feedback form and consultation documents on the Commission’s website.

The Commission says it will review and consolidate all feedback received before providing a summary and updates on the changes made as a result. More information, downloadable documents and a link to the draft guidance feedback survey are available on the Commission’s website.