The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has released its findings from consultation on the guidance documents for the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.
The ACQSC says updated guidance will be released by the end of the year, leaving little more than six months before the new Standards are due to take affect when the new Aged Care Act is rolled out on 1 July 2025.
The Government asked for feedback on the new Strengthened Quality Standards between 6 February and 19 May 2024 (extended from the initial 30 April date), and received feedback through written submissions, a webinar attended by 3,500, a public survey, and conversations with 70 aged care providers.
The ACQSC will now incorporate its findings into updated guidance materials and audit processes, including a pre-audit preparation tool and a request for information template to help providers prepare for audits.
Updated versions of the supporting documents for the Strengthened Quality Standards will be available by the end of 2024, the ACQSC said.
In February, we reported that Janet Anderson, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, said the Commission will "support" providers that are not yet compliant if they can demonstrate they are doing their best to move to the new Strengthened Standards.
