Quality Bulletin

Our Quality Bulletin gives important information to aged care providers about their responsibilities, our work, and changes affecting the aged care sector.

We encourage all approved aged care providers and their staff to share the bulletin with their colleagues.

Your thoughts are welcome. If you have comments or suggestions about the content, please send them to communications@agedcarequality.gov.au.

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2024 bulletins

Issue	Articles
October 2024	Commissioner’s message Our reports Aged care reform update Food, nutrition and dining Clinical update Webinars Training and resources New resources
September 2024	Commissioner’s message Our reports Aged care reform update Food, nutrition and dining Webinars Governing for reform Training and resources New resources
August 2024	Commissioner’s message Aged care reform update Food, nutrition and dining Clinical update Webinars Governing for reform Training and resources
July 2024	Commissioner’s message Our reports Aged care reform update Food, nutrition and dining Clinical update Webinars Governing for reform Training and resources
June 2024	Commissioner’s message Aged care reform update Food, nutrition and dining Clinical update Webinars Governing for reform Training and resources
May 2024	Commissioner’s message Our reports Aged care reform update Food, nutrition and dining Clinical update Webinars Governing for reform Training and resources
April 2024	Commissioner’s message Our reports Aged care reform update Food, nutrition and dining Clinical update Webinars Governing for reform Training and resources
March 2024	Commissioner’s message Aged care reform update Food, nutrition and dining Clinical update Webinars Governing for reform Training and resources
February 2024	Commissioner’s message Aged care reform update Food, nutrition and dining Webinars Governing for reform Training and resources
January 2024	Commissioner’s message Our reports Aged care reform update Food, nutrition and dining Webinars Governing for reform Training and resources

2023 bulletins

Issue	Articles
December 2023	Commissioner’s message Aged care reforms update Food, nutrition and dining Governing for reform Training and resources
November 2023	Commissioner’s message National Aged Care Provider Conference 2024 Our reports Aged care reforms update Food, nutrition and dining Clinical update Webinars Training and resources
October 2023	Commissioner’s message Aged care reforms update Food, nutrition and dining Clinical update Webinars Governing for reform Training and resources
September 2023	Commissioner’s message The referendum and access to residential services Our reports Aged care reforms update Food, nutrition and dining Webinars Governing for reform Training and resources
August 2023	Commissioner’s message Aged care reforms update Food, nutrition and dining Clinical update Webinars Governing for reform Training and resources
July 2023	Commissioner’s message Aged care reforms update Food, nutrition and dining Clinical update Webinars Governing for Reform Training and resources
June 2023	Commissioner’s message Our reports Aged care reforms update Food, nutrition and dining Clinical update Webinars Governing for reform Training and resources
May 2023	Commissioner’s message Aged care reforms update Food, nutrition and dining Clinical update Webinars Governing for reform Training and resources
April 2023	Commissioner’s message Aged care reforms update Clinical update Webinars Food and nutrition Governing for reform Training and resources
March 2023	Commissioner’s message Commission reports Aged care reforms update Webinars Governing for reform Get involved Training and resources
February 2023	Commissioner’s message Aged care reform update Webinars Governing for reforms Food, dining and nutrition – dining with dignity Seniors and ageing well expo Training and resources
January 2023	Commissioner’s message Strengthened Quality Standards Star Ratings for Residential Aged Care – the Compliance Rating Sector Performance – latest insights Food, dining and nutrition – the consumer voice Banning Orders Regulatory Bulletin Home Care Packages Program: Changes to Administration and Management Charges Regulatory Bulletin Provider Performance Information Regulatory Bulletin Quarterly Financial Report: Quarter 2 submissions due 14 February Training, fact sheets and resources

2022 bulletins

Issue	Articles
December 2022	Commissioner’s message Aged care reform update A look back at the Governing for Reform program in 2022 If you have a positive food story to tell, we want to hear it From the Chief Clinical Advisor – Summer alert New guiding principles to improve medication management in aged care National Dementia Action Plan public consultation now open OPAN launches new self-advocacy toolkit New and updated Commission resources
November 2022	Commissioner's message Update on sector reforms commencing 1 December New Star Ratings for residential aged care Governing for Reform in Aged Care program – podcast series available Quality and safety in home services – risk in focus: management of package funds Quality improvement initiative improves antibiotic use New financial and prudential regulatory insights series Improving food and nutrition in residential aged care Five new Alis modules now available Applications open for Aged Care Registered Nurses’ Payment New and updated Commission resources
October 2022	Commissioner’s message Update on sector reforms with regulatory implications Transition care services to be regulated from 1 December Revised Quality Standards public consultation underway Quality and safety in home services – risks in focus: vulnerable consumers Partnerships in care resources Update on Commission’s response to SCHADS Award changes Measures of good practice: food, dining and nutrition webinar for residential providers – 17 November Upcoming key dates for financial reporting New and updated Commission resources
September 2022	Commissioner’s message Update on preparations for reforms with regulatory implications Consultation process on draft revised Quality Standards Important SIRS reporting form changes on 3 October More site audits being undertaken Quality and safety in home services risks in focus – clinical care Everybody has a story: Delivering culturally inclusive care Recognising the signs of sepsis early can save lives Prudential Disclosure Standard – new fact sheet available Aged care scholarship applications close soon Webinar on upcoming changes to Specialisation Verification New and updated Commission resources
August 2022	Commissioner’s message National reform program aims to deliver a better experience of aged care New resources to improve food and nutrition for aged care residents Quality and safety in home services – risks in focus: Care planning and assessment Best-practice feedback and complaints handling – training available Governing for Reform in Aged Care program Register now for educational workshops – updated courses available Consultation – aged care on-site pharmacists Aged Care Financial Report 2021–22 – new fact sheet available New and updated Commission resources
July 2022	Commissioner’s message Serious Incident Response Scheme – important resource updates Quality and safety in home services risks in focus: Organisational governance Incident management system essential element #6 – Close the loop We want to work with aged care consumers Online learning platform (Alis) – free access trial and upgrades Our approved provider application fees have been updated New and updated Commission resources Other resources
June 2022	Commissioner’s message Incident management system essential element #5 – Implement actions It’s now easier to contact the Commission Recent updates to the Serious Incident Reporting Scheme reporting form Home services – assessment and monitoring Are you focusing on managing the key risks in providing home services? Review your prudential compliance systems and controls now Our latest ‘Sector performance report’ is now available Early insights from the Enriching Life Through Aged Care roundtables Preventing elder abuse is everyone’s business Do you provide care for older Australians with diverse needs? New and updated Commission resources Other resources
May 2022	Commissioner’s message Incident management system essential element #4 – Analyse the incident Home services quality reviews Leadership and governance during a COVID-19 outbreak World Elder Abuse Awareness Day forum Free online course in aged care advocacy New and updated Commission resources Other resources
April 2022	Commissioner's message Quality aged care requires a partnership Preparing your aged care service for winter Incident management system essential element #3 – Record and report the incident NDIS registration renewal for providers supporting NDIS participants Enriching life through care – board chair and CEO roundtables Speaker requests can now be submitted online New and updated Commission resources
March 2022	Commissioner’s message Governing for Reform in Aged Care program open Commission’s upcoming roundtable discussions Incident management system essential element #2 – Responding to incidents Joint action to reduce the inappropriate use of psychotropic medicines Our latest ‘Sector performance report’ is now available New and updated Commission resources
February 2022	Commissioner’s message Governing for reform capability program commences in March The essential elements of an effective incident management system Reminder about changes to the SIRS online reporting form Update on the regulation of restrictive practices Upcoming campaign on residential care provider investment management strategies Do you have a concern or complaint about your care? New and updated Commission resources
January 2022	Commissioner’s message Governing and managing the use of high-risk medications Home services consultation survey closes soon Upcoming changes to the SIRS online reporting form Complying with your Quality Standards responsibilities Inaugural Council of Elders members announced Partnerships in care tackle social isolation safely New and updated Commission resources

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Quality Bulletin 2021

Issue	Articles
December 2021	Commissioner’s message Creating a quality experience for aged care residents Governing for Reform in Aged Care Are vitamins included in the polypharmacy quality indicator? New safety protocols for field visits COVID-19 update – Outbreak preparedness and vaccinations for home services workers Have your say on how we communicate with the home services sector From the Chief Clinical Advisor – Summer alert Alis – the year in review New and updated Commission resources
November 2021	Commissioner’s message Preparing for an emergency event Aged care services operating in a COVID-normal world Approved provider application fee now applies Have your say on current Department of Health public consultations Important updates for home services providers From the Chief Clinical Advisor – antimicrobial stewardship and catheters Share your feedback about Alis with us New Commission workshop on the Serious Incident Response Scheme New guidance on electronic residential medication chart management systems New and updated Commission resources
October 2021	Commissioner’s message Update on our approved provider application fee public consultation From Dr Melanie Wroth, Chief Clinical Advisor Our latest ‘Sector performance report’ is available Reminder – SIRS Priority 2 incidents are now also reportable Free Alis licence period extended to 1 July 2022 Our joint webinar series with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Free course about providing culturally responsive care to older people New and updated Commission resources
September 2021	Commissioner’s message Public consultation open for introduction of approved provider application fee SIRS Priority 2 incidents now need to be reported Do you have your behaviour support plans in place? Quality Indicator Program Manual Part B recently released Commission’s expanded site audit program 2021–22 Update on new worker screening register and code of conduct reforms Do you understand your Prudential Standards responsibilities? From the Chief Clinical Advisor New Alis module: ‘Engaging with consumers about their care’ New and updated Commission resources
August 2021	Commissioner’s message Delivery of care during an outbreak and upcoming webinar New outbreak management planning modules in Alis Supporting providers with their restrictive practices obligations Next milestone in rollout of SIRS – reporting of Priority 2 incidents From the Chief Clinical Advisor Changes to the way we seek your feedback on our complaints process Reminder – Commission online workshop sessions still available New and updated Commission resources
July 2021	Commissioner’s message On-entry screening and routine monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms Limiting the risk that residential staff will need to isolate More resources to support providers in relation to new restrictive practices obligations From the Chief Clinical Advisor – behaviour support plans New Serious Incident Response Scheme resources for providers and consumers Provider feedback on site visits moves online from 1 August Information about antimicrobial stewardship in aged care Updates from the Department of Health New and updated Commission resources
June 2021	Commissioner’s message Is your outbreak communication plan up to date? SIRS insights – valuable provider roundtable feedback and first Commission report New SIRS modules now available in Alis Amendments to restrictive practices legislation Guidance materials available for upcoming Quality Indicator Program changes Updates from the Chief Clinical Advisor Recent aged care and NDIS worker screening requirements changes New online education workshops now open for registrations New and updated Commission resources
May 2021	Commissioner’s message Two new quality indicators to report on from 1 July Updated Serious Incident Response Scheme guidance Are you still COVID-ready? Free access to Alis still available Free online forum on elder abuse on 17 June 2021 Examining consumer feedback on medication use in residential aged care Resources
April 2021	Commissioner’s message Infection prevention and control still a key focus Visitor access survey report findings Moving to ‘command and control’ leadership during an outbreak Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) update Our current work on antimicrobial stewardship Expanded quality indicator reporting obligations from 1 July Prudential campaign – permitted uses of refundable accommodation deposits Updated information about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout
March 2021	Commissioner’s message Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) update New SIRS module available now on Alis Antimicrobial stewardship Infection prevention and control requirements COVID-19 restrictions on residents Time to review your outbreak management plan Consultation with aged care facilities about residents’ hearing health COVID-19 vaccination resources
February 2021	Commissioner's message Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) – new resources and upcoming webinar New SIRS modules on Alis coming soon – register now Be prepared for risk-based questions at our onsite assessments New COVID-19 vaccine readiness toolkit now available Why your outbreak management plans must be service specific Free support for rural, remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander care providers Other resources
January 2021	Commissioner's message Serious Incident Response Scheme update Free Alis registrations ending on 31 March Residential service visitor access survey results Lessons learned during the COVID-19 outbreaks in Victoria Missed our recent outbreak management webinar? Latest COVID-19 guidance for the sector Tell us about your Resident Food Committee Other resources

Quality Bulletin 2020

Issue	Articles
December 2020	Commissioner's message Outbreak Management Planning Serious Incident Response Scheme Arrangements for reaccreditation site audits Visitor access campaign Partnerships in care Infection prevention and control (IPC) lead Pharmacy outreach project update Online learning with Alis Department of Health COVID-19 resources Commission operations between Christmas and New Year
November 2020	Commissioner's message From the Chief Clinical Advisor: Be aware of the risks of heat and sun exposure Outbreak management planning resource Compulsory reporting webforms live on Commission website Serious Incident Response Scheme to commence in 2021 COVID‐19 in a Sydney nursing home: a case study and lessons learned New quality indicators to be introduced in 2021 Improving meals, nutrition and the dining experience New Alis Module: Clinical Governance
September/October 2020	Commissioner's message Provider responsibilities on infection control New webform for compulsory reporting Infection control spot checks – learnings so far Home care services survey update Prudential targeted campaign - refundable accommodation payment responsibilities and compliance with the Liquidity Standard Repatriation fact sheet now available Checking in on home care recipients during COVID-19 - Watch Act Monitor COVID-19 resources – translated Assessing the Standards – new workshops Website updates and resources
July/August 2020	Commissioner’s message Online self-assessment survey Identifying key personnel and roles during an outbreak Wearing of face shields Cohorting consumers with COVID-19 The Commission’s regulatory activities New COVID-19 resources for consumers Better use of medications in aged care Provider management of risks to consumers who live at home Assessing the Standards – residential aged care services A free sign language interpreting service Dementia Australia National Symposium moves to free webinar series Resources Innovative consumer engagement Q and A – Talking success stories!
26 June 2020	Commissioner’s message Resuming unannounced visits Have you accessed your free registrations yet? NDIS registration requirement deferred Some tips on minimising physical restraints Innovative consumer engagement Q and A – Talking success stories!
4 June 2020	Commissioner's message Home Care Consumer Engagement Survey Complaints trends Risk assessment for site visits in a COVID-19 safe Australia New COVID-19 storyboard resources Using Personal Protective Equipment when a resident is awaiting a COVID swab or result What’s on: Department of Health training webinars Innovative consumer engagement Q and A – Talking success stories!
22 May 2020	Commissioner’s message Transparency of information for consumers and their families Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes during COVID-19 Short-notice site visits continue New COVID-19 subcontracting arrangement notification requirement for approved providers COVID-19 Aged Care Support Grant Outbreak Management Webinar What’s on: Free short courses for aged care workers Innovative consumer engagement
7 May 2020	Commissioner’s message Online survey for aged care providers of home services Suspension of residential site audits and home services quality audits Staff and residents of aged care facilities urged to roll up their sleeves for flu vaccinations Nutrition during COVID-19 Grants for digital devices to access eSafety courses and keep seniors connected Innovative consumer engagement
April 2020	Commissioner’s message Residential aged care survey on preparedness for COVID-19 New survey rolled out to aged care home services Home services assessment contacts Welfare checks to ensure the wellbeing of Senior Australians Examples of innovative consumer engagement Upcoming events and other resources
March 2020	Commissioner message Advising the Department of Health of an outbreak of COVID-19 Priority and process for ordering PPE Requirements regarding the annual influenza vaccination this year Proactive contact with residential providers on infection control and pandemic preparedness COVID-19 – resources and information Liquidity Management for approved providers Focus on the Standards – Standard 7: Human resources Check out our new Alis video Assessing against the Standards workshops Initiatives to ease the stress
February 2020	Commissioner message Getting to know the Standards – Standard 6: Feedback and complaints Alis – our new online learning solution – is live Consumer engagement resources Additional risk assessment of compulsory reports From the Chief Clinical Advisor Assessing the Standards workshops – still time to book
January 2020	Commissioner message Getting to know the Standards – Standard 5: Organisation's service environment Regulatory Bulletin update Transition of Compulsory Reporting to the Commission From the Chief Clinical Advisor New resources for consumer engagement now available Still time to register interest in new online learning solution Assessing the Standards workshops – still time to book Re-accreditation of residential services

Quality Bulletin 2019

Issue	Articles
December 2019	Commissioner message New independent analysis of consumers’ aged care experiences Changes to our Assessment methodology now in effect From the Chief Clinical Advisor New storyboards illustrate the Standards Assessing the Standards workshops Commission website updates& Sector news
November 2019	Commissioner message Getting to know the Standards – Standard 4, Services and support for daily living ‘From the Chief Clinical Advisor’ Preparing for performance assessment Accountabilities webinar video now available
October 2019	Commissioner's message Getting to know the Standards - Standard 3, Personal care and clinical care Improvements in quality assessment methodology Diversity in action New video on Open Disclosure Understanding the Charter of Aged Care Rights Webinar on accountabilities of governing bodies in aged care Did you know? Sector news
September 2019	Commissioner's message Getting to know the Standards – Standard 2, Ongoing assessment and planning with consumers Scenarios involving physical and/or chemical restraint MOU means better protection for older Australians receiving aged care Early findings against the Quality Standards Directions issued now on our website Webinar on accountabilities of governing bodies in aged care Website updates Sector news
August 2019	Commissioner's message Getting to know the Standards – Standard 1, Consumer Dignity and Choice Publication of Serious Risk decisions New ways of collecting feedback about home services Heater Burn Alert - Residential aged care beds placed next to heaters Website updates AAIC Satellite Symposium Conference Walking safely with dementia Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS)
July 2019	Commissioner message From the Minister... Sector stakeholders welcome new Quality Standards Clinical governance resources now available Aged care performance statistics now available Online resources to help you get to know the Standards Mandatory Flu Vaccination Program reminder New Standards education video tops 50,000 views Give us your feedback - confidentially In brief
June 2019	Commissioner's message Meet our new Minister Assessment against the Aged Care Quality Standards Single Charter of Aged Care Rights Open disclosure framework now available New legislation introduced to minimise the use of restraints Online learning platform coming soon Be part of our consumer engagement project Improving provider feedback Consumer Experience Reports available soon for home services Safe, accepting aged care for LGBTI people New herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine available Elder abuse, 'insidious and often undetected' Former Commission Interim Clinical Advisor honoured Taking aged care beyond the physical
May 2019	Commissioner's message Don’t miss our upcoming reform webinar Online learning about the new Standards a hit Online learning assistance in getting to know the Standards Urgent reminder about influenza Ageing population set to almost double by 2050 Regional providers preparing for the new Standards $500,000 for better aged care food Commission increases unannounced weekend visits Top tips for addressing concerns and complaints
April 2019	Commissioner's message Commission appoints Chief Clinical Advisor Implications of Federal Budget for the Commission Two-hour meeting ends two years of concerns Stronger aged care protections for senior Australians Preparing for the new Standards New video to supports consumers' understanding of the new Standards New Standards video for providers now online Seasonal signals for flu vaccinations
March 2019	Commissioner's message Single Charter of Aged Care Rights Don't miss out on workshops for the new Standards New Standards video production Consumer Experience Reports testing in home care moving ahead Providers encouraged to use Commission resources to prepare for the new Standards Get involved: Advance Care Planning New Plans to ensure inclusive aged care Commission complaints resources now available in 24 languages
February 2019	Commissioner's message Greater transparency on consumer experience in care New Standards event a sold-out success Commission participates in first industry engagements New insights on aged care sector performance Top tips to get your service ready for the new Standards New framework ensures strong voice for aged care recipients How the Standards deal with feedback and complaints
January 2019	Welcome to the Commission Checking your readiness for the new Standards Why complaints are important Use of restraints in aged care New Rules to support the work of the Commission New Standards: Dignity of risk Standards events filling fast – don't miss out!

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