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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 50 result(s)
/quality-standards/participating-consumers

Participating with consumers

Fact sheet
Last Updated

This resource provides information sheets for residents, families, and carers to support decision-making in residential aged care. Covering topics such as pain management, falls, and medicines, it promotes health literacy, enabling consumers to engage in discussions and report care issues effectively.

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
Assessment and planning, Care coordination and transitions, Medication management, Clinical safety, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Palliative and end of life care
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
3.1 Assessment and planning, 3.4: Planning and coordination of funded aged care services, 5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines, 5.5: Safety of clinical care services, 5.6 Cognitive impairment  , 5.7: Palliative care and end-of-life care
Participating with consumers
/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/care-coordination

Care Coordination

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource offers practical guidance on effective care coordination, focusing on communication within multidisciplinary teams, continuity of care, and transition management. It provides tools for involving families in care planning and supports strategies for optimising palliative care and improving outcomes for people in aged care settings.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Care coordination and transitions
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
3.4: Planning and coordination of funded aged care services, 7.2: Transitions
Care Coordination
/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/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/australian-college-care-workers-code-conduct-care-workers

Australian College of Care Workers - Code of Conduct for Care Workers

Guidance
Published date

This resource outlines the Code of Conduct for members of the Australian College of Care Workers. It includes 7 key principles that ensure care workers provide safe, ethical, and respectful care. The Code sets minimum standards for professionalism, accountability, and respect for people receiving care, promoting integrity and competency within the profession.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Workforce and human resources management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.9: Human resource management
Australian College of Care Workers - Code of Conduct for Care Workers
/quality-standards/racgp-aged-care-clinical-guide-silver-book-part-b-families-and-carers

RACGP aged care clinical guide (Silver Book) - Part B - Families and carers

Guidance
Last Updated

This guide focuses on the role of families and carers in supporting older adults, covering topics like consent, communication, self-care, and bereavement support. It includes practical advice on involving carers in healthcare planning, respecting patient confidentiality, and resources for additional support, ensuring comprehensive care for both patients and carers.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Care coordination and transitions
Standard
3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
3.4: Planning and coordination of funded aged care services
RACGP aged care clinical guide (Silver Book) - Part B - Families and carers
/quality-standards/aged-care-workforce-planning-and-support-programs

Aged care workforce planning and support programs

Webinar
Published date

This resource provides information about aged care workforce planning and support programs available to help providers. It covers initiatives such as the Business and Workforce Advisory Service and the Remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Service Development Assistance Panel. 

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
2.9: Human resource management
Aged care workforce planning and support programs
/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/education-training

Education & training

Guidance

This resource provides information on the educational content offered to aged care providers and workers. It includes online learning modules, workshops, and access to a resource library, aimed at promoting high-quality care and compliance with legislative changes. The content supports continuous learning and professional 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
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Workforce and human resources management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.9: Human resource management
Education & training
/quality-standards/fact-sheet-principles-safe-and-high-quality-transitions-care

Fact sheet - Principles of safe and high-quality transitions of care

Fact sheet
Published date

This resource outlines the principles for safe and high-quality transitions of care, emphasising person-centred care, multidisciplinary collaboration, and effective communication. It highlights the need for secure documentation, continuity of care, and coordination among healthcare teams to make sure smooth transitions and minimise risks during transfers between care providers. 

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
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
3.4: Planning and coordination of funded aged care services, 7.2: Transitions
Fact sheet - Principles of safe and high-quality transitions of care
/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/making-sure-your-workers-can-work-aged-care

Making sure your workers can work in aged care

Fact sheet
Published date

You need to have governance systems and processes to make sure your aged care workers can work in aged care.

This fact sheet explains a provider’s responsibilities for:

  • screening workers
  • preventing breaches to banning orders.

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
Making sure your workers can work in aged care
/quality-standards/communication-clinical-handover

Communication at clinical handover

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource focuses on structured clinical handover processes to improve communication during patient care transitions. It highlights the importance of standardising handover procedures to make sure relevant information is effectively communicated, reducing errors and enhancing patient safety, especially during care transfers in healthcare settings, including aged 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
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Care coordination and transitions, Assessment and planning
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
3.3: Communicating for safety and quality, 3.4: Planning and coordination of funded aged care services, 5.4: Comprehensive care, 7.2: Transitions
Communication at clinical handover
/quality-standards/communicating-safety

Communicating for Safety

Guidance

This resource provides tools and guidance on improving clinical communication to enhance patient safety. It focuses on key communication touchpoints, such as handovers, decision-making, and care transitions. Designed to support healthcare providers, it offers practical strategies to reduce errors and improve outcomes in aged care and other healthcare 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
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Care coordination and transitions, Assessment and planning
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
3.3: Communicating for safety and quality, 3.4: Planning and coordination of funded aged care services, 5.4: Comprehensive care, 7.2: Transitions
Communicating for Safety
/quality-standards/code-conduct-aged-care

Code of Conduct for Aged Care

Guidance

This resource outlines the Code of Conduct for Aged Care, which sets expectations for the behaviour of providers, governing persons, and workers. It promotes respect, safety, and quality in aged care services, ensuring people’s rights are protected. The Code includes guidance on handling concerns and preventing abuse or neglect​. 

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, Dignity, respect and privacy
Standard
2: The Organisation, 1: The Individual
Outcomes
2.9: Human resource management, 1.2: Dignity, respect and privacy
Code of Conduct for Aged Care
/quality-standards/code-conduct-workers

Code of Conduct for workers

Guidance

This resource outlines the Code of Conduct for Aged Care workers, detailing expected behaviours such as respect, honesty, and integrity. It ensures people receiving care are treated with dignity, kept safe from harm, and supported. The Code applies to all aged care workers, including volunteers​. 

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, Dignity, respect and privacy
Standard
2: The Organisation, 1: The Individual
Outcomes
2.9: Human resource management, 1.2: Dignity, respect and privacy
Code of Conduct for workers
/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/vaccination-people-occupational-risk

Vaccination for people at occupational risk

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides vaccination guidelines for people in occupations with increased risk of exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases. It outlines recommended vaccinations for healthcare workers, carers, emergency services, and others in high-risk environments. The document supports the development of vaccination policies and programs to protect workers and the people they serve. 

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, Workforce and human resources management
Standard
4: The Environment, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 2.9: Human resource management
Vaccination for people at occupational risk
/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