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Aged care laws in Australia have now changed. The new Aged Care Act 2024 and Aged Care Rules 2025 now apply. While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations and legal responsibilities. Thank you for your patience.

Quality Standards Resource Centre

The Quality Standards Resource Centre helps extend understanding of the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, which take effect from 1 November 2025. The Resource Centre will be updated to reflect key changes made to the draft strengthened Standards. You can search for resources by using keywords, or filtering by standard, outcome, audience and theme. Before using the Resource Centre, please read the terms of use.

Displaying 21 to 40 of 87 result(s)
/quality-standards/assessment-monitoring

Assessment & monitoring

Guidance

This resource provides an overview of the assessment and monitoring processes for aged care providers. It explains quality reviews, site audits, and the use of quality indicators to help improve services. It also covers continuous improvement plans and the importance of self-assessment to ensure compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Assessment & monitoring
/quality-standards/advance-care-planning-information-health-service-organisations

Advance care planning - Information for health service organisations

Guidance
Published date

This resource outlines how health service organisations can support advance care planning within the Comprehensive Care Standard (National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards). It highlights the importance of documenting a patient’s preferences for future care and ensuring systems are in place to act on these plans. It also provides actions related to policies, sharing decisions, comprehensive care, and clinical handover. 

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Palliative and end of life care, Assessment and planning
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
5.7: Palliative care and end-of-life care, 3.1 Assessment and planning
Advance care planning - Information for health service organisations
/quality-standards/informed-consent

Informed consent

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides guidance on ensuring informed consent in healthcare settings. It outlines legal, ethical, and professional requirements for obtaining consent, supports person-centred care, and ensures compliance with Australian healthcare standards. It highlights the importance of providing accurate information about interventions and alternatives, ensuring people have sufficient knowledge of potential risks and benefits. 

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life, Assessment and planning, Care coordination and transitions
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 3.1 Assessment and planning, 7.2: Transitions
Informed consent
/quality-standards/trauma-informed-care-and-practice-organisational-toolkit

Trauma-informed Care and Practice Organisational Toolkit

Tool

This toolkit provides guidance for organisations on implementing trauma-informed care practices, aiming to improve safety, trust, and empowerment in care settings. It outlines strategies to adapt policies, environments, and staff approaches to better support people with trauma histories in various care environments.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Accountability and quality system, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
Trauma-informed Care and Practice Organisational Toolkit
/quality-standards/supported-decision-making

Supported decision-making

Tool

This resource explains supported decision-making, a process that helps people retain control over choices in their lives, even with cognitive challenges. It outlines how aged care providers can support people’s decisions, providing information in accessible formats and respecting autonomy, as endorsed by national and international rights frameworks.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life, Assessment and planning
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 3.1 Assessment and planning
Supported decision-making
/quality-standards/speech-pathology-assessments-and-reports

Speech pathology assessments and reports

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines the process for speech pathology assessments and reports, which evaluate speech, language, and swallowing abilities. It is relevant to aged care for assessing communication and feeding challenges, guiding appropriate interventions, and supporting care plans. It ensures accurate reporting and informed decision-making in care settings.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Assessment and planning
Standard
3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
3.1 Assessment and planning
Speech pathology assessments and reports
/quality-standards/provider-governance-quick-reference-poster

Provider governance quick reference poster

Poster
Published date

A quick reference A3 poster informing providers about their new provider governance responsibilities.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Provider Governance quick reference poster
/quality-standards/my-food-and-dining-preferences-form

My food and dining preferences - form

Fact sheet
Published date
Last Updated

This fact sheet helps aged care residents communicate their food and dining preferences. It includes sections for meal choices, dining preferences, assistance needs, health considerations, cultural or religious customs, and contact information for allied health professionals. It also advises staff to monitor changes in weight and contact a dietitian if needed. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards. 

 

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Food and nutrition, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Assessment and planning
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 3.1 Assessment and planning, 7.1: Daily living
Image of Food and dining preferences fact sheet
/quality-standards/advance-care-planning-information-clinicians

Advance care planning - Information for clinicians

Fact sheet
Published date

This resource guides clinicians on the importance of advance care planning, particularly for those with life-limiting illnesses, chronic conditions, or cognitive impairment. It outlines the need for early conversations about patient preferences and comprehensive care, ensuring decisions are documented, shared, and align with clinical handover processes to respect patient autonomy and improve care outcomes. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Palliative and end of life care, Assessment and planning
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
5.7: Palliative care and end-of-life care, 3.1 Assessment and planning
Advance care planning - Information for clinicians
/quality-standards/aged-care-financial-report

Aged Care Financial Report

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines the mandatory Aged Care Financial Report (ACFR) for approved aged care providers. It details reporting requirements for residential care, home care, multi-purpose services, and short-term restorative care. Providers must submit financial data on income, expenses, and compliance statements to receive government funding. This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
/quality-standards/aged-care-service-requirements

Aged care service requirements

Guidance

This resource provides information on aged care service requirements, helping providers understand their obligations for delivering various types of care, including residential, home, and flexible care. It outlines the essential responsibilities for ensuring quality care and compliance with aged care standards, supporting independent living and tailored care approaches​. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards. 

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Aged care service requirements
/quality-standards/comprehensive-care-clinical-assessment-and-diagnosis-key-actions-health-service-organisations

Comprehensive Care - Clinical assessment and diagnosis - Key actions for health service organisations

Fact sheet
Published date

This resource provides actions for health service organisations to support clinical assessment and diagnosis, promoting a person-centred approach and comprehensive care planning. It highlights training, clear communication of roles, and systems for documenting diagnoses and care plans. 

This resource may apply to healthcare contexts outside of aged care. Please consider the applicability of this resource to your care setting. This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Assessment and planning, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
3.1 Assessment and planning, 5.4: Comprehensive care
Comprehensive Care - Clinical assessment and diagnosis - Key actions for health service organisations
/quality-standards/comprehensive-care-clinical-assessment-and-diagnosis-key-actions-clinicians

Comprehensive Care - Clinical assessment and diagnosis - Key actions for clinicians

Fact sheet
Published date

This resource provides actions for health service organisations to support clinical assessment and diagnosis, promoting a person-centred approach and comprehensive care planning. It highlights training, clear communication of roles, and systems for documenting diagnoses and care plans. 

This resource may apply to healthcare contexts outside of aged care. Please consider the applicability of this resource to your care setting. This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Assessment and planning, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
3.1 Assessment and planning, 5.4: Comprehensive care
Comprehensive Care - Clinical assessment and diagnosis - Key actions for clinicians
/quality-standards/frequently-asked-questions-about-consent

Frequently asked questions about consent

Fact sheet
Published date

This fact sheet covers the frequently asked questions about consent in aged care.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life, Assessment and planning, Care coordination and transitions
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 3.1 Assessment and planning, 7.2: Transitions
Cover of Frequently asked questions about consent
/quality-standards/financial-prudential-standards

Financial & Prudential Standards

Guidance

This resource provides guidance on the Financial and Prudential Standards for aged care providers. It outlines requirements for managing refundable deposits, ensuring financial viability, maintaining liquidity, and implementing governance and recordkeeping processes. It helps providers comply with financial obligations, supporting transparency and accountability in aged care services​. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system, Agreements, fees, pricing, invoicing and statements
Standard
2: The Organisation, 1: The Individual
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures, 1.4: Transparency and agreements
Financial & Prudential Standards
/quality-standards/governing-reform-aged-care-practical-tools

Governing for Reform in Aged Care - Practical tools

Tool

This resource provides practical tools for aged care governing bodies and executives to support governance processes. It includes templates for audit planning, risk management, performance reporting, and compliance monitoring, helping providers ensure effective oversight and decision-making aligned with the Aged Care Quality Standards​. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Corporate and clinical governance, Accountability and quality system, Risk management system, Information management system, Workforce and human resources management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.2a: Quality, safety and inclusion culture to support aged care workers to deliver quality care, 2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures, 2.4: Risk management, 2.7: Information management, 2.8: Workforce planning
Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program
/quality-standards/improving-aged-care-speech-pathology-why-it-matters-and-how-it-helps

Improving aged care with speech pathology: Why it matters and how it helps

Guidance

This page highlights the role of speech pathologists in supporting older people with communication, eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties. It provides resources for aged care providers on how to improve care quality through effective communication tools and tailored strategies. This resource includes practical examples, like sample plates and picture boards, for enhancing dining experiences and supporting individual choice. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Assessment and planning, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Food and nutrition
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care, 6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
3.1 Assessment and planning, 5.4: Comprehensive care, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences
Improving aged care with speech pathology: Why it matters and how it helps
/quality-standards/star-ratings

Star ratings

Guidance

This resource explains the star rating system for residential aged care homes, which helps people make informed care decisions. It outlines ratings based on compliance, quality measures, residents’ experiences, and staffing minutes. Providers are evaluated on their performance, with ratings updated daily to reflect changes in compliance. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Star ratings
/quality-standards/sector-performance

Sector performance

Report

This resource provides quarterly reports on the performance of the aged care sector, including data on residential care audits, home services quality reviews, complaints, and Serious Incident Response Scheme notifications. The reports offer insights into sector-wide performance and help providers monitor compliance and improve service quality​. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards. 

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Sector performance
/quality-standards/review-requests

Review requests

Guidance

This resource outlines the process for aged care providers to request a reconsideration of regulatory decisions. It explains how to submit a request, including the timeline and required information. Providers and quality assessors can seek reviews through this process to address any concerns regarding regulatory outcomes​. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Review requests