The Department of Health has today released a concept paper for a new regulatory framework as part of an overhaul of Australia’s embattled aged care system.
In a statement, the Department said the concept paper outlines early thinking in the development of a new regulatory framework.
“This new framework will inform a new Aged Care act and support aged care reforms such as the new Support at Home Program,” it said in a statement.
It said the release of the concept paper was the first step in the public consultation process to design the new framework with stakeholders.
The Department said the consultation process aims to inform the:
- design of the regulatory framework;
- operational arrangements;
- transition options;
- implementation plan.
“It is envisaged that a comprehensive consultation process will commence in 2022. Stages of consultation will inform the detailed design of a more contemporary and fit for purpose regulatory framework and will consider the
operational arrangements, transition options and an implementation plan,” the Department said.
It said a new “contemporary approach” to aged care would fundamentally change the way Australia’s aged care regulator interacts with the growing aged care market, while maintaining and strengthening protections for seniors.
“A new regulatory model that is required to underpin the current reforms would affect all providers in the aged care market and could support mutual recognition or streamlined regulation of some providers in adjacent sectors, such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and veteranâs care.”
The release of the concept paper follows a Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommendation calling for the introduction of a new approach to aged care that better aligns regulation to the proportionality of risk.
“A future regulatory framework also presents opportunities to address criticisms and challenges with the current system. There is scope to move beyond a one-size fits all approach to regulating approved providers, and build capability to use data and intelligence to better understand and anticipate risk and differentiate across the sector. Some progress has been made, but there is still more to do,” the Department’s concept paper states.
“An improved approach to regulating aged care will go beyond compliance to foster a culture and practice of continuous improvement to deliver higher quality care that better supports the wellbeing of senior Australians. This will be achieved through a best practice and risk proportionate aged care regulatory framework, which will be built on a human rights, person centred approach.”
It said the Government was committed to a comprehensive program of reforms that will be delivered across five pillars: home care; residential aged care services and sustainability; residential aged care quality and safety; workforce; and governance.
“The reforms aim to strengthen and enhance the protection and rights of older Australians, and will have impacts on aged care governance, quality standards and providers.”
“Consistent with this reform agenda, a new, modernised aged care legislation will be introduced that is fit for purpose, delivers proportionate regulation and supports the provision of safe and quality care for senior Australians in line with the expectations of the Royal Commission.
“Similarly, a new Support at Home Program will be developed in consultation with senior Australians and community stakeholders. This reform will address several of the Royal Commissionâs recommendations to improve the support for senior Australians to remain independent and in their own homes for longer,” the Department said.
To get involved in the consultative process, please read the paper and sign up to future consultations at agedcareengagement.health.gov.au
