The Aged care sector has been undergoing significant changes and there is a lot more to come in the next 12 months. Here is an aggregated review of the planned roadmap and changes coming.
November 2023
- Aged Care Clinical Information Systems Standard: First draft published by the Australian Digital Health Agency, setting guidelines for managing residents’ records in aged care facilities.
- Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner: Begins consultations on the design of the permanent commission.
December 2023
- Governing Body Requirements: New requirements for governing body membership and provider advisory bodies effective from 1 December.
- Aged Care Act Draft: Exposure draft for a new Rights-Based Aged Care Act ready for consultation.
- Registered Nurse Coverage: 24/7 coverage in residential aged care, with details published on My Aged Care’s ‘Find a Provider’ staffing pages.
- Aged Care Taskforce: Final report release.
- National Aged Care Data and Digital Strategies: Release aimed at improving lives through digital connection.
February 2024
- Provider Transparency: Increased transparency measure on My Aged Care website, detailing individual provider operations.
March 2024
- Home Care Workforce Support Program: Completion of the program to grow the home care workforce.
June 2024
- My Health Record Registration Project Completion: The Australian Digital Health Agency to complete the project connecting residential aged care facilities to My Health Record.
- New Residential Aged Care System: 'Places to People' initiative begins, offering more choices to older people.
- Elder Care Support Program Expansion: Increase to 110 staff to assist First Nations elders.
July 2024 (Pending legislation)
- New Aged Care Regulatory Model: Implementation of a new approach to regulating aged care.
- Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards: Commencement following review.
- CHSP Extension: The Commonwealth Home Support Programme extended until June 2025.
- National Worker Screening for Aged Care: New requirements come into effect.
- New Accommodation Framework: Introduction of National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines.
- Single Assessment System: Commencement in aged care.
- New Rights-Based Aged Care Act: Passage and implementation.
October 2024
- Residential Aged Care Provider Requirements: Providers must deliver 215 care minutes per resident per day, including 44 minutes of registered nurse time, from 1 October.
