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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 41 to 60 of 60 result(s)
/quality-standards/financial-and-prudential-monitoring-compliance-and-intervention-framework

Financial and Prudential Monitoring, Compliance and Intervention Framework

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines the Financial and Prudential Monitoring, Compliance and Intervention Framework for aged care providers. It aims to enhance financial transparency, requiring stricter reporting, oversight, and adherence to prudential standards. The framework helps ensure financial stability, protects refundable accommodation deposits, and supports the continuity of care in residential aged care. It includes phased implementation and future regulatory changes.

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
Financial and Prudential Monitoring, Compliance and Intervention Framework
/quality-standards/government-provider-management-system-resources

Government Provider Management System resources

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides user guides, quick reference materials, and videos to support aged care providers in using the Government Provider Management System (GPMS). It covers essential tasks such as managing user details, financial reporting, and service information. The GPMS ensures accurate and efficient data management for regulatory compliance and operational oversight 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
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Information management system, Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.7: Information management, 2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Government Provider Management System resources
/quality-standards/government-provider-management-system-gpms

Government Provider Management System (GPMS)

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides an overview of the Government Provider Management System (GPMS), designed to simplify access to and reporting of information by aged care providers to the government. It includes user guides, fact sheets, and troubleshooting support for managing organisational details, notifications, and financial reporting in compliance with aged care requirements. 

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, Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.7: Information management, 2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Government Provider Management System (GPMS)
/quality-standards/quarterly-financial-report-resources

Quarterly Financial Report resources

Guidance, Report
Last Updated

This resource provides information and templates for the Quarterly Financial Report (QFR), required for approved aged care providers. It includes data definitions, templates, frequently asked questions, and guidance for reporting on finances, labour costs, and other operational data. 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
Quarterly Financial Report resources
/quality-standards/improving-accommodation-residential-aged-care

Improving accommodation in residential aged care

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides information on improving accommodation in residential aged care through the National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines, effective from July 2024. It covers areas such as creating dementia-friendly environments, improving access to outdoor spaces, fostering community connections, and ensuring privacy. The guidelines aim to promote independence and a home-like atmosphere. 

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
Environment, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Food and nutrition
Standard
4: The Environment, 6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
4.1b: Environment – services delivered other than in the individual’s home, 6.4: Dining experience, 7.1: Daily living
Improving accommodation in residential aged care
/quality-standards/national-aged-care-mandatory-quality-indicator-program-qi-program

National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program (QI Program)

Guidance
Published date

This resource provides information on the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program (QI Program). The program gathers data on 11 quality indicators from residential aged care services to enhance care standards and outcomes for residents. It includes resources, quick guides, consultation papers, and surveys for improving quality indicators in both residential and in-home 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
Accountability and quality system, Corporate and clinical governance, Information management system, Workforce and human resources management
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.2a: Quality, safety and inclusion culture to support aged care workers to deliver quality care, 2.2b: Quality, safety and inclusion culture to support individuals, 2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures, 5.1: Clinical governance, 5.5: Safety of clinical care services
National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program (QI Program)
/quality-standards/food-nutrition-and-dining-stand-discussion-notes

Food, nutrition and dining stand-up discussion notes

Presentations
Published date
Last Updated

This resource provides discussion notes to improve the food, nutrition, and dining experience in aged care settings. It includes reflective questions for corporate teams and care staff, focusing on governance, resident choice, oral health, and support for those with swallowing difficulties. The resource promotes continuous improvement and quality care through group discussions. 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. 

Stand-up discussion notes  (DOCX  6.68 MB)
Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Food and nutrition, Clinical safety
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.5: Safety of clinical care services, 6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences, 6.3: Provision of food and drinks, 6.4: Dining experience
thumbnail image fnd stand-up discussion notes
/quality-standards/dementia-friendly-environments-dining-areas-kitchens-and-eating

Dementia-friendly environments - Dining areas, kitchens and eating

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides guidelines for creating dementia-friendly dining and kitchen spaces, emphasising sensory engagement, personalised meal experiences, and a home-like environment. It includes practical adjustments for lighting, noise, seating, and social interaction to enhance dining enjoyment.

This resource was developed by a state/territory government or organisation and therefore its applicability and usefulness may be limited.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Environment, Food and nutrition
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care, 6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
4.1b: Environment – services delivered other than in the individual’s home, 5.6 Cognitive impairment  , 6.4: Dining experience
Dementia-friendly environments - Dining areas, kitchens and eating
/quality-standards/food-nutrition-dining-information-providers

Food, nutrition & dining - information for providers

Guidance

This resource provides information and support for aged care providers to improve food, nutrition, and dining services. It includes guidance on meeting nutritional standards, promoting resident choice, and ensuring a positive dining experience. The resource also offers tools for monitoring food quality, addressing dietary needs, and enhancing overall meal service delivery. This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 July 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards. 

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Food and nutrition
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences, 6.3: Provision of food and drinks, 6.4: Dining experience
Food, nutrition & dining - information for providers
/quality-standards/food-nutrition-dining-information-workers

Food, nutrition & dining - information for workers

Guidance

This resource provides guidance for aged care workers on improving food, nutrition, and dining experiences for residents. It covers meal preparation, resident engagement in food choices, safe food handling, and the importance of nutrition in promoting wellbeing. The resource offers practical tips for ensuring meals meet individual dietary needs and preferences. 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
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences, 6.3: Provision of food and drinks, 6.4: Dining experience
Food, nutrition & dining - information for workers
/quality-standards/audit-evidence-collection-tool-aect-registration

Audit Evidence Collection Tool (AECT) – Registration

Tool
Published date
Last Updated

Organisations or persons must complete the Audit Evidence Collection Tool (AECT) – Registration as part of the initial registration audit. This is compulsory for organisations or persons applying for registration in categories 4, 5 and 6 from 1 November 2025.

The registration audit helps us to understand if the organisation or person can conform with the related strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. 

We use this tool to collect evidence about:

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
Audit evidence collection tool
/quality-standards/audit-evidence-collection-tool-aect-renewal

Audit Evidence Collection Tool (AECT) – Renewal

Tool
Published date
Last Updated

Providers must complete the Audit Evidence Collection Tool (AECT) – Renewal as part of a renewal audit in registration categories 4, 5 and 6. This is compulsory for providers from 1 November 2025.

Providers only need to complete this tool once as part of the audit program.

The renewal audit helps us to understand if the provider can conform with the related strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.

We use this tool to collect evidence about:

  • your systems and processes
  • how you deliver high-quality care to older people.
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
Draft audit evidence tool - renewal
/quality-standards/audit-evidence-collection-tool-aect-variation

Audit Evidence Collection Tool (AECT) – Variation

Tool
Published date
Last Updated

Providers must complete the Audit Evidence Collection Tool (AECT) – Variation as part of a variation audit, where they are asking to add categories 4, 5 or 6 to their registration. This is compulsory for providers from 1 November 2025.

The variation audit helps us to understand if the provider can conform with the related strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. 

We use this tool to collect evidence about:

  • the systems and processes you will establish
  • how you will deliver high-quality care to older people.
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
Draft audit evidence tool - variation
/quality-standards/care-delivery-evidence-collection-tool-cdect-care-delivery-location-category-4-5

Care Delivery Evidence Collection Tool (CDECT) – Care delivery location (Category 4 & 5)

Tool
Published date
Last Updated

Providers must complete this tool as part of a renewal audit in registration categories 4 and 5. 

We will identify a targeted sample of care delivery locations (Category 4 & 5). You will be notified of this sample and the CDECT – Care delivery location must only be completed for these targeted sample locations. 

We use this tool to collect evidence about care and services delivered in a home or community setting.

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
CDECT – Care delivery location (Category 4 & 5) thumbnail
/quality-standards/care-delivery-evidence-collection-tool-cdect-residential-category-6

Care Delivery Evidence Collection Tool (CDECT) – Residential (Category 6)

Tool
Published date
Last Updated

Providers must complete this tool as part of a renewal audit in registration category 6. 

The CDECT – Residential must be completed once for each category 6 service. 

We use this tool to collect evidence about the residential care home.

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
CDECT – Residential (Category 6) thumbnail
/quality-standards/renewal-registration-audit-guide

Renewal of registration audit guide

Guidance
Published date
Last Updated

This guide helps you prepare for and take part in a renewal of registration audit.

It describes:

  • the purpose of audits and how they inform (help us make) registration decisions
  • the 3 stages of the audit process (initiation, delivery, reporting)
  • what to expect and what to do at each stage
  • the types of evidence we consider during audits
  • how we define our audit ratings
  • the audit tools we use
  • other relevant resources.
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
Renewal of  registration  audit guide
/quality-standards/variation-registration-audit

Variation of registration audit

Guidance
Published date
Last Updated

This guide helps you prepare for and take part in a variation of registration audit.

It describes:

  • the purpose of audits and how they inform (help us make) registration decisions
  • the 3 stages of the audit process (initiation, delivery, reporting)
  • what to expect and what to do at each stage
  • the types of evidence we consider during audits
  • how we define our audit ratings
  • the audit tools we use
  • other relevant resources.
Variation of registration audit  (PDF  434.03 KB)
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
Variation of registration audit
/quality-standards/food-nutrition-and-dining-reflection-practice

Food, nutrition and dining: a reflection on practice

Guides, Presentations
Published date
Last Updated

This training PowerPoint is a presentation that trainers/managers can download, customise and use to promote discussion and educate their staff to support and improve the food, nutrition and dining experience of consumers in their care.

The resource is designed to support reflective discussions about what ‘best practice’ looks like and a reflection on how it applies in practice.  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, Clinical safety
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.5: Safety of clinical care services, 6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences, 6.3: Provision of food and drinks, 6.4: Dining experience
PowerPoint thumbnail image FND training
/quality-standards/liquidity-calculator-registered-providers-aged-care-sector

Liquidity calculator for registered providers in the aged care sector

Tool
Published date
Last Updated

This calculator informs registered providers of the minimum level of liquid assets they are required to hold calculated based on Quarterly Financial Report (QFR) financial statements.

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
Liquidity calculator
/quality-standards/new-financial-and-prudential-standards

The new Financial and Prudential Standards

Guidance, Guides
Published date

The new Financial and Prudential Standards will be introduced with the commencement of the new Aged Care Act. The new Standards set out the minimum requirements for good financial and prudential management of registered aged care providers. Registered providers must comply with the Financial and Prudential Standards that apply to them as a condition of their registration.

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
New financial and prudential standards