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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 74 result(s)
/quality-standards/cultural-safety-health-care-indigenous-australians-monitoring-framework

Cultural safety in health care for Indigenous Australians: monitoring framework

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource uses available data to measure progress in achieving cultural safety in the health system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The monitoring framework covers 3 modules: Module 1 – Culturally respectful health care services; Module 2 – Patient experience of health care; and Module 3 – Access to health care services.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Cultural safety in health care for Indigenous Australians: monitoring framework
/quality-standards/national-strategic-framework-rural-and-remote-health

National Strategic Framework for Rural and Remote Health

Guidance
Last Updated

This framework addresses health service challenges in rural and remote areas, aiming to improve access, workforce sustainability, and care models through coordinated strategies. It guides policymakers and providers on adapting health services for rural contexts, fostering collaboration, and enhancing infrastructure, with a focus on equitable and culturally relevant care. 

This resource may apply to healthcare contexts outside of aged care. 

Author
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Information management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.7: Information management
National Strategic Framework for Rural and Remote Health
/quality-standards/digital-health

Digital Health

Guidance

This resource outlines how digital health technologies, including telehealth, electronic medication management, and My Health Record, can improve healthcare delivery. It focuses on enhancing communication, reducing readmissions, and providing better access to care, especially in remote areas.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Information management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.7: Information management
Digital Health
/quality-standards/not-profit-governance-principles

Not-for-Profit Governance Principles

Guidance
Published date

This resource outlines the Not-for-Profit Governance Principles, a framework designed to help not-for-profit organisations, including aged care providers, achieve good governance. It covers key areas such as board roles, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and organisational culture. The principles provide practical guidance to improve governance practices, ensuring accountability and sustainability in the sector.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Not-for-Profit Governance Principles
/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/assessment-monitoring

Assessment & monitoring

Guidance

This resource provides an overview of the assessment and monitoring processes for aged care providers. It explains quality reviews, site audits, and the use of quality indicators to help improve services. It also covers continuous improvement plans and the importance of self-assessment to ensure compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Assessment & monitoring
/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/trauma-informed-care-and-practice-organisational-toolkit

Trauma-informed Care and Practice Organisational Toolkit

Tool

This toolkit provides guidance for organisations on implementing trauma-informed care practices, aiming to improve safety, trust, and empowerment in care settings. It outlines strategies to adapt policies, environments, and staff approaches to better support people with trauma histories in various care environments.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, 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, 2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
Trauma-informed Care and Practice Organisational Toolkit
/quality-standards/aged-care-data-and-digital-strategy-2024-2029

Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy 2024–2029

Guidance
Published date

The Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy 2024–2029 outlines a framework for leveraging data and digital innovation to improve aged care services. It focuses on enhancing care delivery, reducing administrative burdens, and empowering older people through better access to information and services. The strategy supports collaboration across the aged care sector and promotes continual improvement through digital transformation.

Author
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Information management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.7: Information management
Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy 2024–2029
/quality-standards/provider-governance-quick-reference-poster

Provider governance quick reference poster

Poster
Published date

A quick reference A3 poster informing providers about their new provider governance responsibilities.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Provider Governance quick reference poster
/quality-standards/my-food-and-dining-preferences-form

My food and dining preferences - form

Fact sheet
Published date
Last Updated

This fact sheet helps aged care residents communicate their food and dining preferences. It includes sections for meal choices, dining preferences, assistance needs, health considerations, cultural or religious customs, and contact information for allied health professionals. It also advises staff to monitor changes in weight and contact a dietitian if needed. 

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
Food and nutrition, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Assessment and planning
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 3.1 Assessment and planning, 7.1: Daily living
Image of Food and dining preferences fact sheet
/quality-standards/about-health-data-australia

About health data in Australia

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource explains the collection, use, and regulation of health data in Australia. It highlights the importance of health data in improving healthcare, policy-making, and research. The document details various data sources, including the National Health Data Hub, ensuring data privacy and security while maximising the benefits of health information for research and service improvement. 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
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.7: Information management
About health data in Australia
/quality-standards/aged-care-financial-report

Aged Care Financial Report

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines the mandatory Aged Care Financial Report (ACFR) for approved aged care providers. It details reporting requirements for residential care, home care, multi-purpose services, and short-term restorative care. Providers must submit financial data on income, expenses, and compliance statements to receive government funding. 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
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
/quality-standards/aged-care-service-requirements

Aged care service requirements

Guidance

This resource provides information on aged care service requirements, helping providers understand their obligations for delivering various types of care, including residential, home, and flexible care. It outlines the essential responsibilities for ensuring quality care and compliance with aged care standards, supporting independent living and tailored care approaches​. 

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
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Aged care service requirements
/quality-standards/dining-residential-aged-care-tips-and-tricks-fact-sheet

Dining in residential aged care - tips and tricks fact sheet

Fact sheet
Published date

This fact sheet provides practical tips for enhancing dining experiences in residential aged care settings. It offers guidance on food presentation, meal assistance, creating a respectful and enjoyable atmosphere, supporting independence, and providing culturally appropriate dining options. The aim is to improve mealtime satisfaction while maintaining older peoples' dignity and people's preferences. 

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
Food and nutrition
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks
Image of Dining in residential aged care - tips and tricks fact sheet
/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/residential-aged-care-food-services-discussion-paper

Residential aged care food services discussion paper

Discussion paper
Published date

This paper presents a high-level overview of contemporary evidence regarding food services in residential aged care settings.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Food and nutrition
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences, 6.3: Provision of food and drinks, 6.4: Dining experience
Cover page - Residential aged care food services discussion paper with two women at a table enjoying a meal
/quality-standards/celebrating-successes-engaging-people-improve-food-nutrition-and-dining

Celebrating successes in engaging people to improve food, nutrition and dining

Guidance

This resource highlights successful practices in engaging older people to improve food, nutrition, and dining experiences. Providers can use examples like food focus groups, family involvement in recipe changes, and resident-led dining committees to promote enjoyable, dignified, and inclusive dining. It fosters better health, wellbeing, and relationships with staff. 

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
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Food and nutrition
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 7.1: Daily living
Celebrating successes in engaging people to improve food, nutrition and dining
/quality-standards/cultural-considerations-food-nutrition-and-dining

Cultural considerations in Food, Nutrition and Dining

Guidance

This resource provides guidance on incorporating cultural considerations into food, nutrition, and dining in aged care settings. It highlights the importance of understanding diverse dietary preferences, religious practices, and family dynamics to support person-centred care, improve wellbeing, and promote inclusivity within the aged care environment. 

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
Food and nutrition, Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition, 1: The Individual, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences, 1.1: Person-centred care, 7.1: Daily living
Cultural considerations in Food, Nutrition and Dining
/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