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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 29 result(s)
/quality-standards/racgp-aged-care-clinical-guide-silver-book-part-b-medical-records-residential-aged-care-facilities

RACGP aged care clinical guide (Silver Book) - Part B - Medical records at residential aged care facilities

Guidance
Last Updated

This guide covers managing medical records in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). It describes different practitioner models (solo, practice-based, aged care-specific) and provides standards for record-keeping, sharing notes, and maintaining clinical governance. The guide suggests methods for transferring medical information to RACF staff, including printing, electronic sharing, and handover notes.

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
RACGP aged care clinical guide (Silver Book) - Part B - Medical records at residential aged care facilities
/quality-standards/healthcare-provider-directory-hpd

Healthcare Provider Directory (HPD)

Tool
Last Updated

This resource explains the Healthcare Provider Directory (HPD), a service listing registered health care providers and organisations in the Healthcare Identifiers (HI) Service. It enables health professionals to access contact and specialty information for secure messaging, referrals, and discharge summaries.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Corporate and clinical governance, Information management system, Workforce and human resources management, Care coordination and transitions
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.1: Clinical governance
Healthcare Provider Directory (HPD)
/quality-standards/mental-health-tips-aged-care-workers-and-managers

Mental health tips for aged care workers and managers

Guidance

This resource provides mental health tips for aged care workers and managers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and overall mental wellbeing. The resource offers evidence-based advice on recognising when extra support is needed and how to maintain mental health, helping aged care staff navigate challenging times effectively.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Workforce and human resources management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.8: Workforce planning
Mental health tips for aged care workers and managers
/quality-standards/digital-transformation-aged-care-sector

Digital transformation for the aged care sector

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines the digital transformation agenda for the aged care sector in Australia, focusing on creating a consolidated, sustainable, and modern IT network. It includes strategies for improving connections between clients, providers, and the government, offering webinars and resources to support this transition. 

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
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
5.1: Clinical governance, 2.7: Information management
Digital transformation for the aged care sector
/quality-standards/workforce-responsibilities

Workforce responsibilities

Guidance

This resource outlines the workforce responsibilities of aged care providers, including the legal obligation to provide skilled staff and support their workforce. It details mandatory requirements such as 24/7 registered nurse coverage and care minutes for residential 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
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Workforce and human resources management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.8: Workforce planning, 2.9: Human resource management
Workforce responsibilities
/quality-standards/digital-transformation-aged-care-sector-resources

Digital transformation for the aged care sector resources

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides access to various materials related to digital transformation in the aged care sector, including videos, presentations, and meeting summaries. It offers insights into building a modern, connected aged care IT network and shares updates from sector partner meetings on digital transformation initiatives. 

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
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
5.1: Clinical governance, 2.7: Information management
Digital transformation for the aged care sector resources
/quality-standards/healthcare-identifiers-and-healthcare-identifier-service

Healthcare Identifiers and the Healthcare Identifier Service

Guidance
Last Updated

This document explains the Healthcare Identifier Service, a national system for assigning unique healthcare identifiers to individuals, providers, and healthcare organisations. The service aims to improve patient safety, ensure accurate records, and facilitate secure data sharing across health, aged care, and allied health services. It includes privacy measures and public consultation outcomes for potential legislative improvements. 

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
Corporate and clinical governance, Information management system, Workforce and human resources management, Care coordination and transitions
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.1: Clinical governance
Healthcare Identifiers and the Healthcare Identifier Service
/quality-standards/health-workforce

Health workforce

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides an overview of the support and programs available for Australia's health workforce, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and mental health workers. It highlights incentives, training, and initiatives to address workforce shortages, particularly in rural and remote areas, ensuring Australians receive the care they need across the country. 

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
Workforce and human resources management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.8: Workforce planning
Health workforce
/quality-standards/rural-health-workforce

Rural health workforce

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides an overview of the rural health workforce in Australia, including policies and programs designed to encourage health professionals to train and practise in rural and remote areas. It highlights strategies for improving healthcare access and quality in these regions, supporting both professionals and communities. 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
Workforce and human resources management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.8: Workforce planning
Rural health workforce
/quality-standards/introduction-aged-care-videos-and-facilitator-guides

Introduction to Aged Care – Videos and facilitator guides

Video
Published date

This resource provides videos and facilitator guides to support the training and induction of aged care workers. It covers various key concepts, including duty of care, infection control, wellness, reablement, and safe practices. The aim is to enhance the understanding and quality of 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
Workforce and human resources management
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
5.1: Clinical governance, 2.9: Human resource management
Introduction to Aged Care – Videos and facilitator guides
/quality-standards/national-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health-workforce-strategic-framework-and-implementation-plan-2021-2031

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan 2021–2031

Guidance
Published date

This resource is separated into 2 parts: the vision, objectives and target; and the strategic framework and implementation plan. This plan has 6 overarching strategic directions. These directions support the ongoing development of the size, capability and capacity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce. 

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
Workforce and human resources management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.8: Workforce planning
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan 2021–2031
/quality-standards/national-allied-health-workforce-strategy

National Allied Health Workforce Strategy

Guidance
Last Updated

The National Allied Health Workforce Strategy outlines a plan to address workforce challenges, including the shortage of allied health professionals in Australia. It focuses on aligning the supply of professionals with current and future needs, ensuring workforce safety and quality, and enhancing sector-specific data collection. The strategy aims to support workforce planning and development.

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
Workforce and human resources management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.8: Workforce planning
National Allied Health Workforce Strategy
/quality-standards/our-work-related-rural-health-workforce

Our work related to the rural health workforce

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides an overview of various initiatives and programs supporting the rural health workforce in Australia. It includes training programs, scholarships, and recruitment schemes aimed at addressing workforce shortages in rural and remote areas. The resource outlines efforts to improve healthcare access and quality through targeted support for medical and nursing professionals. 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
Workforce and human resources management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.8: Workforce planning
Our work related to the rural health workforce
/quality-standards/national-medical-workforce-strategy-2021-2031

National Medical Workforce Strategy 2021–2031

Guidance
Published date

This resource outlines the National Medical Workforce Strategy 2021–2031, developed to guide long-term medical planning across Australia. It provides a structured approach to creating a sustainable, well-trained medical workforce. The strategy includes 25 actions under 5 priority areas: collaboration, rebalancing supply, reforming training, building generalist capabilities, and ensuring workforce flexibility. 

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
Workforce and human resources management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.8: Workforce planning
National Medical Workforce Strategy 2021–2031
/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/national-nursing-workforce-strategy

National Nursing Workforce Strategy

Guidance
Last Updated

The resource provides information on the National Nursing Workforce Strategy, which outlines long-term plans for workforce sustainability, diversity, and development. It supports collaboration among stakeholders, promotes evidence-based care, and addresses challenges in regional and remote areas to ensure quality nursing care across the healthcare system. 

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
Workforce and human resources management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.8: Workforce planning
National Nursing Workforce Strategy
/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/care-and-support-mental-health-resources

Care and Support Mental Health Resources

Guidance

This resource offers mental health and trauma-informed care materials to support aged care, home care, and disability support workers. Developed with industry consultation, it provides strategies to improve worker wellbeing, manage workplace stress, and integrate trauma-informed practices, addressing common challenges like burnout and occupational stress.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Workforce and human resources management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.8: Workforce planning
Care and Support Mental Health Resources
/quality-standards/clinical-governance-allied-health-practitioners

Clinical governance for allied health practitioners

Fact sheet
Published date

This fact sheet identifies the clinical governance and roles and responsibilities of allied health practitioners. It provides information on the National Model Clinical Governance Framework and lists the roles and responsibilities across Governance, leadership and culture, patient safety and quality systems, clinical performance and effectiveness and safe environment for the delivery 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
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Care coordination and transitions, Corporate and clinical governance, Workforce and human resources management
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.1: Clinical governance
Clinical governance for allied health practitioners
/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