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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 141 to 160 of 248 result(s)
/quality-standards/reprocessing-reusable-medical-devices

Reprocessing of reusable medical devices

Guidance
Published date

This resource provides guidance on implementing updated standards for reprocessing reusable medical devices in health and non-health facilities. It supports compliance with AS 5369:2023, ensuring healthcare organisations follow national and international standards for safe equipment reprocessing to minimise infection risks and promote patient safety. 

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
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Environment
Standard
4: The Environment
Outcomes
4.1b: Environment – services delivered other than in the individual’s home
Reprocessing of reusable medical devices
/quality-standards/risk-assessment-and-management-home

Risk Assessment and Management in the Home

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides guidance on risk assessment and management in home care settings under the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. It explains how to identify and assess risks, implement control measures, and review safety protocols to minimise hazards and ensure the safety of older people and care workers in home environments. 

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
Laundry and Infection Control in Residential Aged Care
/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/respecting-privacy-and-dignity-clients

Respecting the privacy and dignity of clients

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides guidance about respecting the privacy and dignity of clients. It includes information about personal privacy, the Privacy Act, what classifies as health information, consent and privacy of information. It also includes information about person-centred care and client dignity. 

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
Dignity, respect and privacy, Information management system, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
1.2: Dignity, respect and privacy, 2.7: Information management, 7.1: Daily living
Respecting the privacy and dignity of clients
/quality-standards/keeping-residents-safe-summer

Keeping residents safe this summer

Guidance

This resource offers guidance to aged care providers on keeping older people safe during summer. It includes strategies for managing heat exposure, hydration, and sun protection. It helps providers monitor vulnerable people, recognise signs of overheating, and implement preventative measures to ensure safety during hot weather​. 

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
Emergency and disaster management, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Environment
Standard
2: The Organisation, 4: The Environment
Outcomes
2.10: Emergency and disaster management, 4.1a: Environment – services delivered in the individual’s home, 4.1b: Environment – services delivered other than in the individual’s home
Keeping residents safe this summer
/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/providing-food-and-dining-choice-aged-care-staff-poster

Providing food and dining choice - aged care staff poster

Poster
Published date

This guide supports aged care staff in providing food and dining choices for residents. It outlines the importance of upholding residents' rights to choose, enhancing their health and quality of life. The guide recommends confirming preferences regularly, involving residents in meal planning, and respecting individual choices regarding when, where, and what they eat or drink. 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
Choice, independence and quality of life, Food and nutrition, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 6.3: Provision of food and drinks, 7.1: Daily living
thumbnail providing choice
/quality-standards/measurement-tools-assessing-quality-life-consumer-satisfaction-and-consumer-experience-across-residential-and-home-aged-care-summary-report

Measurement tools for assessing quality of life, consumer satisfaction and consumer experience across residential and in-home aged care: Summary Report

Report
Last Updated

This report reviews validated tools for measuring quality of life, consumer satisfaction, and experience in aged care, assessing their suitability for residential and home care. It provides an evidence-based ranking of tools to support aged care providers in quality improvement, accountability, and aligning with the National Aged Care Quality Indicator Program. 

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
Choice, independence and quality of life
Standard
1: The Individual
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life
Measurement tools for assessing quality of life: Summary Report
/quality-standards/privacy-and-confidentiality-introduction-aged-care-video

Privacy and confidentiality – Introduction to aged care video

Video
Last Updated

This resource is a training video guiding aged care staff on the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality for people receiving care. It covers protecting personal information, proper handling of sensitive data, and safe sharing practices, aiming to make sure clients feel secure in sharing information. 

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
Dignity, respect and privacy, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Care coordination and transitions
Standard
1: The Individual, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
1.2: Dignity, respect and privacy, 7.1: Daily living, 7.2: Transitions
Privacy and confidentiality – Introduction to aged care video
/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/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/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/person-centred-care-practice-webinar-series

Person-centred care in practice webinar series

Webinar
Published date

This resource offers a series of webinars on person-centred care, providing practical examples from Australian healthcare settings. It is designed for health service managers, clinicians, and consumer engagement staff, promoting strategies and tools to enhance person-centred practices. 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
Person-centred care
Standard
1: The Individual
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care
Person-centred care in practice webinar series
/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/partners-culturally-appropriate-care-picac

Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC)

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource supports aged care providers in delivering culturally appropriate care for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. It offers free training, workshops, and resources, helping providers understand and respect diverse needs, ensuring safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive care across all 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
Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC)
/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