1 July 2023 is a significant date in the aged care reform process that resulted from the Aged Care Royal Commission’s Final Report in 2021.

The two biggest changes will be:

• the Fair Work Commission’s 15% pay rise for aged care workers, and
• the requirement for 24/7 RN onsite coverage becomes mandatory, as well as the 24/7 RN Supplement commencing.

There are several other reforms that take effect on this date:

• Responsibility for financial monitoring will transfer from the Department of Health and Aged Care to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC), as part of the ACQSC’s expanded role as the prudential regulator;
• The Community Visitors Scheme will expand and from 1 July 2023 will be renamed the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme;
• The Food and Nutrition Advisory Support Unit will be established and staffed by specialists within the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and dietitian experts; and;
• The Integrated Care and Commissioning trial in thin markets will expand progressively from four to 10 sites.

In the first half of the financial year, it’s intended that the:

• Office of the Inspector General of Aged Care and the appointment of the acting Inspector-General will be established and commence; and
• The role of the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner will commence.

The SOURCE: 2023-24 will be a major year for aged care reforms: strap yourself in.