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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 281 to 300 of 484 result(s)
/quality-standards/reportable-incidents

Reportable incidents

Guidance

This resource outlines reportable incidents within aged care, including Priority 1 and Priority 2 incidents. It provides information on the 8 types of incidents that must be reported, such as psychological abuse, neglect, and the inappropriate use of restrictive practices, helping providers meet their obligations. 

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
Incident management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.5: Incident management
Reportable incidents
/quality-standards/qi-program-quick-reference-guide-activities-daily-living

QI Program quick reference guide – Activities of daily living

Guidance
Last Updated

This quick reference guide provides residential aged care providers with instructions on collecting and reporting data for the Quality Indicator Program. It focuses on measuring the decline in activities of daily living (ADLs) using the Barthel Index, helping providers monitor care recipients' functional independence and implement appropriate support strategies. 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
Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
7.1: Daily living
QI Program quick reference guide – Activities of daily living
/quality-standards/learning-and-development

Learning and development

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines learning and development opportunities for the aged care workforce, including fee-free TAFE courses, online training modules, and clinical placements. It covers topics such as dementia care, palliative care, infection control, and leadership development. These programs aim to upskill current workers and attract new staff to meet the growing needs of older adults in care.

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
Workforce and human resources management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.9: Human resource management
Learning and development
/quality-standards/qi-program-module-7-activities-daily-living

QI Program Module 7 – Activities of daily living

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource explains the importance of measuring activities of daily living (ADLs) for older people in residential aged care. It guides providers on using the Barthel Index to assess ADLs quarterly, helping identify risks of functional decline and implement strategies to maintain independence and improve quality of life. 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
Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services, 7.1: Daily living
QI Program Module 7 – Activities of daily living
/quality-standards/laundry-and-infection-control-residential-aged-care

Laundry and Infection Control in Residential Aged Care

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides guidance on proper laundry procedures in residential aged care to support infection control. It explains how to handle soiled linen, manage laundry services, and prevent contamination. The resource aligns with infection control standards, helping aged care providers meet hygiene requirements and reduce the risk of pathogen transmission. 

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
External resource
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Laundry and Infection Control in Residential Aged Care
/quality-standards/quality-aged-care-gen-data-page

Quality in aged care - Gen Data Page

Guidance, Report
Last Updated

This resource provides an overview of quality indicators and consumer experience surveys in aged care. It details mandatory quality metrics, including physical and clinical indicators, and feedback from people in aged care, offering insights into service performance and supporting informed choices in aged care settings. 

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
External resource
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Quality in aged care - Gen Data Page
/quality-standards/medication-management-health-practitioners

Medication management for health practitioners

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource supports health practitioners in managing medicines through the use of medication charts in aged care facilities and hospitals. It provides guidelines for safe prescribing, administration, and communication. The resource includes both paper-based and electronic medication chart systems to reduce errors, improve patient safety, and streamline medication management processes in aged care settings. 

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
Medication management
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Medication management for health practitioners
/quality-standards/provider-operations-collection-form

Provider Operations Collection Form

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines the Provider Operations Collection Form, which aged care providers must complete annually to report their operations. It includes data on governance, diversity, complaints, and service improvements. This information is published to increase transparency, helping older people, families, and carers make informed decisions about 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
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Information management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.7: Information management
Provider Operations Collection Form
/quality-standards/provision-equipment-aged-care-organisations

Provision of Equipment by Aged Care Organisations

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides guidance for aged care organisations on supplying and managing equipment and aids for care recipients. It outlines the responsibilities for ensuring that all equipment is safe, clean, and fit for purpose. The document also covers subcontractor equipment and highlights the importance of regular maintenance and risk assessments. 

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
External resource
Key Theme
Environment
Standard
4: The Environment
Outcomes
4.1a: Environment – services delivered in the individual’s home
Provision of Equipment by Aged Care Organisations
/quality-standards/medication-its-your-choice

Medication: it's your choice

Guidance

This resource informs older Australians about their rights and choices regarding medication, including potential side effects, the importance of informed decision-making, and reducing unnecessary antibiotic and psychotropic use. It offers brochures, videos, and fact sheets to support understanding and provide guidance on alternative treatments and safe medication practices. 

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
Medication management
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Medication: it's your choice
/quality-standards/medication-management

Medication management

Guidance

This resource provides information on medication management in aged care, focusing on psychotropics and antimicrobials. It includes tools for reducing inappropriate use, antimicrobial stewardship guidance, self-assessment resources, and quality bulletins. It aims to improve medication safety, prevent inappropriate prescribing, and support care providers in ensuring safe clinical practices.

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
Medication management
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Medication management
/quality-standards/national-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-flexible-aged-care-program

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program

Guidance
Published date
Last Updated

This resource provides information on the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program. The program funds flexible and culturally appropriate aged care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, mainly in rural and remote areas. It covers service provider requirements, funding processes, and adaptations to ongoing aged care reforms. 

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
Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Corporate and clinical governance, Care coordination and transitions
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 2: The Organisation, 1: The Individual, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services, 2.1: Partnering with individuals, 1.1: Person-centred care, 7.2: Transitions
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program
/quality-standards/principles-aseptic-technique-information-healthcare-workers

Principles of aseptic technique: Information for healthcare workers

Guidance
Published date

This fact sheet provides principles of aseptic technique to support healthcare workers performing procedures requiring aseptic practices. It covers key concepts, differences between aseptic and sterile techniques, and application in clinical, pharmacy, and laboratory settings, emphasising infection prevention, standard precautions, and proper handling of equipment. 

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
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Principles of aseptic technique: Information for healthcare workers
/quality-standards/principles-safe-and-high-quality-transitions-care

Principles for safe and high-quality transitions of care

Guidance
Published date

This resource outlines essential principles to support safe and high-quality transitions of care for people across healthcare settings, including aged care. It emphasises person-centred approaches, multidisciplinary collaboration, secure record systems, and continuity of care, aiming to minimise risks during care transitions for vulnerable populations. 

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
Care coordination and transitions
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
3.4: Planning and coordination of funded aged care services, 7.2: Transitions
Principles for safe and high-quality transitions of care
/quality-standards/preventing-infections-aged-care-consumer-fact-sheet

Preventing infections – aged care consumer fact sheet

Fact sheet
Published date

This fact sheet provides essential tips for older people on how to prevent infections. It covers hand hygiene, vaccinations, home cleaning, proper disposal of needles, and mental health care. The resource is designed to support infection prevention practices in both community and aged care settings​. 

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
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Preventing infections – aged care consumer fact sheet
/quality-standards/preventing-equipment-failures

Preventing equipment failures

Guidance

This resource highlights the importance of preventing equipment failures in aged care settings. It outlines the need for regular maintenance checks, adherence to manufacturer guidelines, and proper record-keeping to ensure safety. The document also provides recommendations for improving the safety and reliability of critical devices, such as mobility hoists and medical equipment. 

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
Environment, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
4: The Environment
Outcomes
4.1b: Environment – services delivered other than in the individual’s home
Preventing equipment failures
/quality-standards/positive-ageing

Positive ageing

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource focuses on positive ageing, encouraging older people to maintain their health, independence, and connection to community. It covers planning for healthy ageing, staying physically active, and accessing aged care services when needed. The resource promotes ageing as a positive experience, offering practical guidance to support older people in living well. 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
Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
7.1: Daily living
Positive ageing
/quality-standards/monthly-care-statements-residential-aged-care

Monthly Care Statements for residential aged care

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides information about Monthly Care Statements, including why they are important, who can give them, and the benefits for residents and providers. 

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
Agreements, fees, pricing, invoicing and statements
Standard
3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
3.3: Communicating for safety and quality
Monthly Care Statements for residential aged care
/quality-standards/pharmaceutical-benefits-scheme-pbs-medication-chart-maximum-duration-residential-aged-care

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication chart maximum duration in residential aged care

Fact sheet
Published date

This resource outlines the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication chart's maximum duration in residential aged care. It explains the use of both paper-based and electronic National Residential Medication Charts (NRMC), highlighting their role in managing prescriptions, medication supply, and administration. The document provides guidance on compliance, chart expiry, and medication safety within aged care facilities. 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
Medication management
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication chart maximum duration in residential aged care
/quality-standards/national-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health-workforce-strategic-framework-and-implementation-plan-2021-2031

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan 2021–2031

Guidance
Published date

This resource is separated into 2 parts: the vision, objectives and target; and the strategic framework and implementation plan. This plan has 6 overarching strategic directions. These directions support the ongoing development of the size, capability and capacity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce. 

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
Workforce and human resources management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.8: Workforce planning
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan 2021–2031