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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 81 to 100 of 129 result(s)
/quality-standards/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides information about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common and highly contagious respiratory virus. It explains symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention, highlighting that RSV can be serious for infants and older adults with chronic conditions. It also details how RSV cases are monitored through national surveillance systems. 

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
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
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection
/quality-standards/ipc-location-based-guidance

IPC location-based guidance

Tool

This resource provides infection prevention and control (IPC) location-based guidance tailored for aged care providers. It includes state and territory-specific IPC requirements and offers links to relevant Commonwealth and local guidance. The document helps providers access and prioritise the appropriate IPC information to maintain compliance with regulations. 

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
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
IPC location-based guidance
/quality-standards/reporting-adverse-events

Reporting adverse events

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides information on identifying and reporting adverse events related to medicines, vaccines, and medical devices. It outlines who can report, how to submit a report, the importance of these reports for safety monitoring, and the steps taken by the TGA in response to reported safety concerns. 

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
Reporting adverse events
/quality-standards/report-problem-or-side-effect

Report a problem or side effect

Guidance

This resource provides information on how to report adverse events, side effects, or problems related to medicines, vaccines, and medical devices. It includes reporting procedures and information for consumers, health professionals, and industry, aiming to enhance safety and address breaches or non-compliant advertising. 

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
Report a problem or side effect
/quality-standards/ipc-resource-collection

IPC resource collection

Tool

This is an Infection and Prevention Control (IPC) resource tool. This tool can be used by both residential and home care providers to access key pieces of information and reference materials on infection prevention and control. The tool provides access to specific information by selecting a relevant topic and sub-topic. 

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
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
IPC resources
/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/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/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/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/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/polypharmacy-consumer-perspective-national-medicines-symposium-2024

Polypharmacy Consumer Perspective - National Medicines Symposium 2024

Presentations
Published date

This is a presentation on Polypharmacy Consumer Perspective. It includes details of a case example, resolution and care management, and key principles related to medicines and goal of 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
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Medication management
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Polypharmacy Consumer Perspective - National Medicines Symposium 2024
/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/partnerships-care-agreement-sample

Partnerships in Care Agreement – Sample

Tool

This resource is a sample of what a partner agreement might look like. It can be used as a template. This document has been created to support aged care providers and individuals where all parties would like to put an agreement in place. 

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
Person-centred care, Dignity, respect and privacy, Infection prevention and control
Standard
1: The Individual, 4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 1.2: Dignity, respect and privacy, 4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Partnerships in care agreement
/quality-standards/outbreak-management-plan-key-features

Outbreak Management Plan - key features

Guidance
Published date

Outbreak management planning is a key part of infection prevention and control. This document supports both the development of a new outbreak management plan (OMP) and the quality assurance of existing plans. It details common OMP sections to get you started as you tailor your OMP to your service.

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
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
Outbreak Management Plan
/quality-standards/national-immunisation-program-schedule

National Immunisation Program Schedule

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule, outlining the recommended immunisations for people at specific stages of life, from birth through to adulthood. It includes information about free vaccines under the NIP and guidance for catch-up immunisations, ensuring the best possible protection through timely vaccinations. 

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
Infection prevention and control
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 4: The Environment
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
National Immunisation Program Schedule
/quality-standards/national-notifiable-diseases-surveillance-system-nndss

National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS)

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides an overview of the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS), which tracks over 70 diseases that pose a risk to public health in Australia. It helps identify disease trends, supports outbreak responses, and informs public health policies. The system collects de-identified data from states and territories to ensure coordinated disease management. 

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
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
National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS)
/quality-standards/optimising-ventilation-infection-prevention-and-control-healthcare-settings

Optimising ventilation for infection prevention and control in healthcare settings

Guidance
Published date

This resource provides guidance on optimising ventilation in healthcare settings to prevent and control infections. It outlines actions that organisations can take to improve ventilation systems, reduce infection transmission risks, and enhance the safety of both patients and staff. It should be used alongside relevant health authority notices. 

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
Optimising ventilation for infection prevention and control in healthcare settings
/quality-standards/5-moments-hand-hygiene

5 Moments for Hand Hygiene

Guidance
Published date

This resource explains the 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene, a framework designed to minimise the risk of infection transmission in healthcare. It outlines key moments when hand hygiene should be performed, including before and after patient contact or procedures, and after touching a patient’s surroundings. 

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
/quality-standards/user-guide-clinical-pathway-older-people-aged-care-homes-suspected-urinary-tract-infections

User guide to the Clinical Pathway for older people in aged care homes: suspected urinary tract infections

Guides
Published date
Last Updated

This user guide relates to the 'Clinical Pathway for older people in aged care homes: suspected urinary tract infections (UTIs)'.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
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
Elderly man with walker and cap, a younger man has his hand on his shoulder while they walk