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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 5 of 5 result(s)
/quality-standards/medication-safety-transitions-care-technical-report

Medication safety in transitions of care: technical report

Report
Published date

This resource outlines key actions to improve medication safety during transitions of care, focusing on reducing medication discrepancies and patient harm. It emphasises structured reconciliation, workforce training, patient engagement, and enhanced information systems.

This resource was developed internationally and therefore its applicability and usefulness may be limited.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Medication management
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Medication safety in transitions of care: technical report
/quality-standards/medication-safety-polypharmacy-technical-report

Medication safety in polypharmacy: technical report

Report
Published date

This resource provides guidance on safe medication management in polypharmacy, focusing on patient-centred approaches, team collaboration, and systematic reviews for people with long-term conditions. It includes tools and case studies to support health professionals.

This resource was developed internationally and therefore its applicability and usefulness may be limited.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Medication management
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Medication safety in polypharmacy: technical report
/quality-standards/better-use-medications-aged-care

Better use of medications in aged care

Discussion paper
Published date

This discussion paper explores strategies to improve medication management in aged care, including reducing inappropriate prescriptions and promoting non-pharmacological interventions. It reviews current interventions' effectiveness, highlights the use of psychotropic medications, and identifies areas for improving practices through multifaceted and multidisciplinary approaches for better resident outcomes and healthcare quality. 

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
Better use of medications - thumbnail image
/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/support-home-program-handbook

Support at Home program handbook

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines the design and key components of the Support at Home program, effective from 1 November 2025. It provides guidance for aged care providers on service delivery, budgeting, and assessment processes, helping older people remain independent at home. It also details regulatory requirements and transition from existing programs. 

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
Care coordination and transitions
Standard
7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
7.2: Transitions
Support at Home program handbook