Aged care provider audit preparation
Approved providers of Commonwealth-funded aged care must comply with the Aged Care Quality Standards under the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018 (Cth). The Commission conducts site audits and assessment contacts. This checklist prepares providers and their legal advisers for a quality audit, covering governance, clinical care, and consumer outcomes.
This is a 12-step audit preparation checklist for Australian aged care providers. It covers the Aged Care Quality Standards, governance documentation, clinical care records, and complaint management ahead of an Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission audit.
The checklist
Confirm approved provider status
Verify current approved provider status under the Aged Care Act 1997 (Cth) and confirm all conditions of approval are being met.
Map evidence to Quality Standards
Map existing policies, procedures, and evidence against each of the eight Aged Care Quality Standards to identify documentation gaps.
Review governance and leadership records
Confirm the governing body has documented accountability for quality, safety, and clinical governance as required by Standard 8.
Audit clinical care documentation
Review a sample of clinical care records for completeness, including assessments, care plans, progress notes, and incident reports.
Verify staff qualifications and screening
Confirm all care workers hold current police checks, NDIS Worker Screening (if applicable), and mandatory qualifications for their role.
Check Serious Incident Response Scheme compliance
Verify the provider has a compliant SIRS process including incident reporting within 24 hours for Priority 1 incidents to the Commission.
Review restrictive practices authorisation
Confirm any use of restrictive practices is documented, authorised by an approved health practitioner, and subject to behaviour support plans.
Assess consumer feedback and complaints system
Review the complaints management system for accessibility, timeliness, and evidence of resolution and continuous improvement.
Verify open disclosure processes
Confirm an open disclosure policy is in place and staff are trained to communicate with consumers and families after adverse events.
Review food and nutrition compliance
Verify food services meet the Aged Care Quality Standards requirements and any applicable food safety standards under state legislation.
Check prudential compliance for refundable deposits
Confirm permitted uses of refundable accommodation deposits and compliance with prudential requirements under the Fees and Payments Principles 2014.
Prepare audit day logistics and staff briefing
Brief key staff on the audit process, prepare documentation for assessors, and designate a liaison person for the audit team.
When this checklist applies
Use when preparing for a scheduled site audit, reaccreditation, or after receiving a notice of assessment contact from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Common pitfalls
- Incomplete evidence mapping against all eight Quality Standards
- SIRS incidents not reported within required 24-hour timeframe
- Restrictive practices used without proper authorisation and documentation
- Clinical care records missing current care plans or progress notes
- Governing body unable to demonstrate active clinical governance oversight
Run this checklist on a real matter
Quillio can map your documentation against Quality Standards, flag SIRS reporting gaps, and prepare audit briefing packs. See /practice-areas/health-lawyers or start a free trial.
General guidance for aged care audit preparation. Verify against the current Aged Care Quality Standards, SIRS Rules, and Commission guidance.
Use this checklist on your matter.
Quillio can run this checklist on a specific NSW conveyancing matter — confirm each item, calculate adjustments, and generate the supporting documents. The free trial requires no credit card.
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