Aged Care Quality & Safety Standards

The 8 Aged Care Quality Standards cover person-centred care and support, organisational governance and management, safeguarding from abuse and complaints, service management, contractual obligations, privacy and confidentiality, feedback and complaints management, and quality improvement. Each standard defines what compliant aged care looks like in practice. Providers must demonstrate compliance across all 8 through documented policies, staff training records, and evidence of everyday practice.

Compliant providers are typically audited every 3 to 4 years on a rolling schedule. Audits are largely unannounced, though the Commission may provide 2 to 4 weeks notice in some cases. Previously non-compliant providers face more frequent audits until sustained improvement is demonstrated. Assessors evaluate compliance through document reviews, staff interviews, environmental inspections, and direct client feedback sessions.

An ACQSC audit typically follows five stages: a desk review of submitted documentation, a 2 to 3 day on-site assessment involving document review, staff interviews, and environmental inspection, direct client feedback sessions with aged care recipients, a feedback meeting where preliminary findings are shared, and a final written report with compliance findings and recommendations. Non-compliance findings can result in improvement notices, licence conditions, or further investigation.

Start by reviewing all 8 standards and confirming your operations align with each requirement. Gather comprehensive evidence including policies, staff training records, audit schedules, and client feedback records. Ensure your team can clearly articulate compliance practices and brief them on the audit process. Conduct an internal pre-audit review to identify gaps before Commission assessors arrive, and organise your evidence so it is accessible and compelling. HCPA’s pre-audit services guide you through this preparation, ensuring full readiness when the audit begins.