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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 1 to 20 of 20 result(s)
/quality-standards/better-together-practical-guide-effective-engagement-older-people

Better Together: A practical guide to effective engagement with older people

Guidance

This resource offers practical guidance on effective engagement with older people, highlighting diverse communication methods, cultural sensitivity, and inclusive strategies to capture meaningful input. It supports collaborative relationships and respectful dialogue with older people in decision-making processes.

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
Person-centred care, Corporate and clinical governance, Assessment and planning
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 2.1: Partnering with individuals, 3.1 Assessment and planning
Better Together: A practical guide to effective engagement with older people
/quality-standards/conformant-clinical-software-products

Conformant clinical software products

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides a register of conformant clinical software products that meet national digital health requirements, enabling functions like My Health Record access, health summary uploads, and prescription management. Organisations using the register should verify entries’ currency and accuracy as updates depend on software developers.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Information management system, Corporate and clinical governance
Standard
2: The Organisation, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
2.7: Information management, 5.1: Clinical governance
Conformant clinical software products
/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/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/national-safety-and-quality-health-service-standards-second-edition

National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (second edition)

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines the second edition of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. It aims to protect people from harm and improve healthcare quality. The 8 standards cover areas like clinical governance, infection control, and medication safety, supporting aged care providers in meeting safety and quality expectations. 

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, Corporate and clinical governance
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.1: Clinical governance
National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (second edition)
/quality-standards/governing-reform-aged-care-program

Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program

Guidance

This resource outlines the Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program, designed to strengthen corporate and clinical governance capabilities for aged care leaders. It provides tools, online learning modules, webinars, and podcasts to support governance improvement and help leaders engage in reform efforts. 

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, Incident management system, Feedback and complaints management system, Information management system, Workforce and human resources management, Emergency and disaster management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.1: Partnering with individuals, 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, 2.5: Incident management, 2.6a: Complaints and feedback management for aged care workers, 2.6b: Complaints and feedback management for individuals, 2.7: Information management, 2.8: Workforce planning, 2.9: Human resource management, 2.10: Emergency and disaster management
Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program
/quality-standards/national-model-clinical-governance-framework

National Model Clinical Governance Framework

Guidance
Last Updated

This framework provides a consistent national approach to clinical governance in healthcare, focusing on governance structures, leadership, culture, safety and quality improvement systems, clinical performance, care environment, and consumer partnerships. It supports healthcare organisations in developing systems to ensure accountability, safety, quality of care, and continuous improvement, following the NSQHS 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
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Care coordination and transitions, Corporate and clinical governance, Information management system, Workforce and human resources management
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.1: Clinical governance
National Model Clinical Governance Framework
/quality-standards/knowledge-and-implementation-hub-clinical-governance

Knowledge and Implementation Hub - Clinical governance

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource discusses clinical governance in aged care, highlighting its importance in delivering safe, high-quality care. It includes evidence-based resources, themes on governance like leadership, culture, consumer partnerships, and workforce strategies, and provides access to research projects, reviews, and practical guidance to support care quality improvements.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Care coordination and transitions, Corporate and clinical governance, Information management system, Workforce and human resources management
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.1: Clinical governance
Knowledge and Implementation Hub - Clinical governance
/quality-standards/diet-and-nutrition-health-advice

Diet and nutrition health advice

Guidance

This resource provides evidence-based diet and nutrition advice to support healthy communities. It includes articles on various diets, managing health conditions, and guidelines for healthy eating across different life stages. The resource also offers guidance on when to consult a dietitian for personalised nutrition planning and support.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Food and nutrition, Clinical safety
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
6.3: Provision of food and drinks
Diet and nutrition health advice
/quality-standards/nursing-and-midwifery-board-professional-standards

Nursing and Midwifery Board - Professional standards

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines the professional standards required for nurses and midwives to practise in Australia, including codes of conduct, standards for practice, and codes of ethics. It provides access to various documents, fact sheets, and guidelines that define the expected practice and behaviour for different nursing roles.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Corporate and clinical governance, Workforce and human resources management
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
5.1: Clinical governance, 2.9: Human resource management
Nursing and Midwifery Board - Professional standards
/quality-standards/national-clinical-terminology-service

National Clinical Terminology Service

Guidance

This resource provides information for healthcare providers on digital health tools and initiatives. It covers services such as My Health Record, secure messaging, electronic prescriptions, and telehealth. It supports providers in using digital technologies to enhance healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Care coordination and transitions, Information management system, Corporate and clinical governance
Standard
2: The Organisation, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
2.7: Information management, 5.1: Clinical governance
This resource provides information for healthcare providers on digital health tools and initiatives. It covers services such as My Health Record, secure messaging, electronic prescriptions, and telehealth. It supports providers in using digital technologies to enhance healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.
/quality-standards/half-story-guide-meaningful-consultation-people-living-dementia-families-and-carers

Half the story: A guide to meaningful consultation with people living with dementia, families and carers

Guidance
Published date

This resource is a guide for meaningful consultation with people living with dementia, their families, and carers. It covers planning, ethical considerations, communication methods, and ways to improve accessibility. The guide offers strategies to ensure the voices of those living with dementia are respected, valued, and effectively integrated into decision-making processes.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life, Corporate and clinical governance, Assessment and planning
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 2.1: Partnering with individuals, 3.1 Assessment and planning
Half the story: A guide to meaningful consultation with people living with dementia, families and carers
/quality-standards/draft-national-consumer-engagement-strategy-health-and-wellbeing

Draft National Consumer Engagement Strategy for Health and Wellbeing

Guidance
Published date

This resource presents the Draft National Consumer Engagement Strategy for Health and Wellbeing, which aims to foster partnerships between health policymakers and communities. It is designed to involve people and communities in the development and implementation of preventive health policies. The strategy supports policymakers and program developers in engaging effectively with consumers to achieve improved health outcomes across Australia. 

Author
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Corporate and clinical governance, Assessment and planning, Care coordination and transitions
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 2.1: Partnering with individuals, 3.1 Assessment and planning, 3.4: Planning and coordination of funded aged care services
Draft National Consumer Engagement Strategy for Health and Wellbeing
/quality-standards/cultural-respect-framework-2016-2026-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health

Cultural Respect Framework 2016-2026 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health

Guidance
Published date

This resource outlines a national approach to building a culturally respectful health system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It focuses on 6 domains, including communication, workforce development, and data evaluation, to ensure culturally safe, accessible care. It is applicable to aged care, helping providers meet cultural safety standards and improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Corporate and clinical governance, 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, 2.2a: Quality, safety and inclusion culture to support aged care workers to deliver quality care, 2.2b: Quality, safety and inclusion culture to support individuals, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
Cultural Respect Framework 2016-2026 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
/quality-standards/consumer-and-carer-engagement-practical-guide

Consumer and carer engagement: A practical guide

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides a guide for engaging consumers and carers in mental health services. It outlines steps for involving people in decision-making, service design, and evaluation. The guide emphasises co-design, leadership, and dedicated resources to create a person-centred approach that improves care and service outcomes.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Care coordination and transitions, Assessment and planning, Corporate and clinical governance
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 2.1: Partnering with individuals, 3.1 Assessment and planning, 3.4: Planning and coordination of funded aged care services
Consumer and carer engagement: A practical guide
/quality-standards/aged-care-clinical-information-system-accis-standards

Aged Care Clinical Information System (ACCIS) Standards

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines the Aged Care Clinical Information System (ACCIS) Standards, providing minimum software requirements for clinical information systems used in aged care. It supports interoperability, data sharing, and safe clinical decision-making. The standards aim to enhance care coordination, improve data accuracy, and ensure compliance with privacy and security protocols within residential aged care settings.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Corporate and clinical governance, Information management system
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
5.1: Clinical governance, 2.7: Information management
Aged Care Clinical Information System (ACCIS) Standards
/quality-standards/quality-improvement-guidance-aged-care-providers

Quality improvement guidance for aged care providers

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource offers guidance for aged care providers on implementing continuous quality improvement processes. It explains the ‘Plan, Do, Check, Act’ model to monitor and enhance care quality, using data and feedback to address issues. It also provides practical examples and tools to support providers in improving care and meeting regulatory 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
Accountability and quality system, Corporate and clinical governance
Standard
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
Quality improvement guidance for aged care providers
/quality-standards/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings

Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings

Guidance
Published date

This resource provides key statistics and findings on disability, ageing, and carers in Australia. It offers insights into the prevalence of disability, living arrangements, health conditions, and the needs for assistance among older adults. It also includes data on informal and formal care providers, highlighting the importance of support services for those aged 65 years and over in aged care settings.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Corporate and clinical governance
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.1: Partnering with individuals
Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings
/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/first-nations-stakeholder-communications-toolkit

First Nations - Stakeholder Communications Toolkit

Guidance, Tool
Published date
Last Updated

This Toolkit is designed for First Nations stakeholders including providers, workers and others involved in providing aged care services for First Nations people. We’ve developed it to make it easy for you to share relevant resources with your networks and members

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Corporate and clinical governance, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 2.1: Partnering with individuals, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
First Nations Resources – Communications Toolkit