Our audit guides and resources help providers prepare for audits. They explain:
- the purpose of audits
- how audits inform registration decisions
- the stages of the audit process
- what to expect at each stage
- the types of evidence we consider during audits
- the audit ratings and how we apply them.
To learn more about audits, see audit process.
Audit guides
Our audit guides support providers to understand what to expect from us when we assess performance against the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.
- Registration audit guide will help you prepare for and take part in a registration audit.
- Renewal of registration audit guide will help you prepare for and take part in a renewal of registration audit.
- Variation of registration audit will help you prepare for and take part in a variation of registration audit.
- Pre-audit readiness checklist will help you prepare for and anticipate the audit process. It highlights the key actions you can take, and the resources available to support you in this process.
Evidence collection tools
You must complete the Audit Evidence Collection Tool (AECT) and submit supporting documents to us as part of the audit process. We use the AECT to collect evidence about your systems and processes, and how they deliver high-quality care to older people.
The AECT is different for providers applying to be registered for the first time, renew their registration, or vary their registration:
- Audit Evidence Collection Tool (AECT) – Registration
- Audit Evidence Collection Tool (AECT) – Renewal
- Audit Evidence Collection Tool (AECT) – Variation
If you are renewing your registration must also complete the Care Delivery Evidence Collection Tool (CDECT). We use the CDECT to collect evidence about how your systems and processes are embedded at a service.
There are two versions of the CDECT, depending on the service type:
- Care Delivery Evidence Collection Tool – Care delivery location (Category 4 & 5)
- Care Delivery Evidence Collection Tool – Residential (Category 6)
Standard audit meeting agendas
During registration, renewal of registration and variation of registration audits our audit team will conduct meetings to:
- support the audit process
- gather evidence about systems and processes
- support open and transparent communication and feedback throughout the audit.
We have developed standard meeting agendas to support you to prepare and to make sure there is a consistent and transparent approach to conducting meetings during an audit. Meeting agendas include the purpose of the meeting, topics that will be discussed, who should attend and an approximate timeframe.
- Standard audit initiation meeting agenda
- Standard governing body meeting agenda
- Standard senior management meeting agenda
- Standard opening meeting agenda (Renewal of registration audit only)
- Standard entry meeting agenda (Renewal of registration audit only)
- Standard closing meeting agenda
Strengthened Quality Standards guidance
When we do an audit, we assess conformance with the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (strengthened Quality Standards). Our strengthened Quality Standards guidance helps providers:
- understand and conform with the Quality Standards
- deliver person-centred quality care
- aim for best practice in providing services.
Provider Registration Policy
Our Provider Registration Policy explains our process and principles for registering providers of Australian Government funded aged care services. Audits are part of the registration process.
More information
To find out more about the strengthened Quality Standards, fact sheets, letters and posters, publications and other resources, visit our Quality standards resource centre.
