The Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) is conducting further data quality checks on its aged care portal, My Aged Care, after media report suggested the site is a "minefield of mistakes".
The news follows a recent assessment of the Care Finder Program, which also found that My Aged Care data was often inaccurate.
The Herald Sun reported earlier this week that My Aged Care "claimed one home was charging a $22 million Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) when in fact the true figure was $2.2 million".
One aged care home "spent $323 per resident per day or $114,988 per resident per year on administration costs – 625% above average", and when contacted, told reporters the information was wrong.
"The Department is working with providers to... address data inaccuracies where they are identified," a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Aged Care told The SOURCE.
"Proactive actions include targeted communications, outreach with providers and webinars.
"It is the legal responsibility of aged care providers to report correct and accurate financial data to the department. The QFR must be signed off by a Board Member (or Key Personnel for Government providers) prior to submission," the spokesperson reminded providers.
"Where providers are not meeting their legislative obligations... they are referred to Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
"If a provider has wilfully or recklessly provided inaccurate reporting data, the Commission will also consider whether this misinformation poses risks for the delivery of quality and safe care."
The Department is conducting further data quality checks to improve the accuracy of information on My Aged Care. "Providers have the opportunity to preview their data prior to publication," its spokesperson said.
The Office of the Inspector-General of Aged Care is undertaking a review of My Aged Care.
