Aged care news highlights from the week ending 31 March 2023, aggregated by CompliSpace.

The information in the Weekly Wrap is aggregated from other news sources to provide you with news that is relevant to the aged care sector across Australia and worldwide. Each paragraph is a summary of the subject matter covered in the particular news article. The information does not necessarily reflect the views of CompliSpace.

COVID-19 News 

No significant developments this week.

Other News

New bill to establish independent oversight of the aged care system

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, on 22 March 2023, the Government introduced key legislation to drive transparency and accountability across the aged care system. Once passed, the Inspector-General of Aged Care Bill will establish the role of an Inspector-General that monitors and investigates the Commonwealth’s administration and regulation of the aged care system, supported by a new statutory body. Find more information on the Inspector-General of Aged Care on the department’s website.

New Quality Indicators for residential aged care from 1 April 2023

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program is expanding, with 6 new quality indicators for residential aged care coming into effect on 1 April 2023. Residential providers are required by law to:

• collect new quality indicator data in the April-June 2023 quarter
• submit their data in the 1-21 July reporting period through the My Aged Care Provider Portal.

To better understand the new reporting requirements:

• review the dedicated resources and guidance materials on the department’s website
• contact the My Aged Care Service Industry, Provider and Assessor Helpline with questions on 1800 836 799.

We’ll be sharing more at our webinar today, Tuesday 28 March, at 2pm‑3pm AEDT. Late registrations are welcome and the recording will be published on the department’s webinar page.

Productivity Commission report suggests new visa subclass to boost aged care workforce

According to Inside Ageing, the Productivity Commission has released a new report recommending that the Australian government establish a new visa subclass for aged and disability care workers. The visa subclass should be a pilot and include a condition that the applicant needs to remain employed in the relevant sector for four years. The report also suggests that a new funding model for aged care could be the key to attracting more workers.

ACCPA proposes new aged care working visa

According to Aged Care Insite, aged care providers have proposed the federal government establish a specific visa for skilled migrants to deliver 24/7 registered nurses to facilities.

Report reveals insights from notifications of unreasonable use of force in residential care

According to Inside Ageing, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has released a report featuring case studies to provide insights and guidance to providers and staff in managing and preventing unreasonable use of force in residential aged care.

Uni program attracting nurses to aged care expands

According to Aged Care Insite, a new placement program run by a regional university and aged care provider to attract nurses to the aged care sector is gaining momentum.

Apartment style living in aged care: a test-and-learn concept

According to Aged Care Insite, there has been a strong push towards smaller-scale, home-like accommodation in aged care in recent years. Many consumer bodies promoted the idea, highlighted by the Royal Commission into Aged Care, and it has been widely discussed in the industry.

Framework for rural and regional nursing released

According to Hospital and Healthcare, the Department of Health and Aged Care has released a ‘world-first’ framework that addresses the demands and challenges for registered nurses in rural and regional Australia.

Expand RN exemptions, says provider peak

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, the peak body for the aged care sector has proposed amendments to the legislation mandating facilities have registered nurses onsite 24/7.

Aged care accommodation interest rates will hit 10-year peak

According to Hello Care, the cost of living in aged care is about to increase from April 1 as interest rates for aged care reach a 10-year peak of 7.46% – a dramatic rise from the lowly 4.01% just 18 months ago. As a result, anyone who moves into aged care from April onwards, or those who move rooms or homes, will be paying more than their neighbours.

Continence action plan needs updating, says peak

According to Community Care Review, in a pre-budget submission, the Continence Foundation of Australia has proposed two investment initiatives that would improve community and health professional understanding of incontinence and reduce the stigma that surrounds the condition.

Investigation launched into unpaid RAT testing in aged care

According to Hello Care, the United Workers Union (UWU) is launching an investigation into the legalities of unpaid RAT testing in aged care during the COVID-19 pandemic which could result in legal action and back pay awarded to affected workers.

Aged Care Quality Bulletin #51 - March 2023

This issue of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s Bulletin covers:

• Enriching Life Through Care National Roundtable Program Final Report
• SIRS Insights – unreasonable use of force in residential aged care
• Sector performance – latest insights
• Aged care reforms update: 24/7 registered nurse responsibility in residential aged care
• Strengthened Quality Standards Pilot Project update
• Code of Conduct for Aged Care
• Prudential Governance Standard: Targeted review
• Quality indicators for residential aged care

Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS)

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the new Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), (formerly Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) will be launched 1 July 2023.

Bed-ready process for residential aged care places

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, providers with capacity to deliver more funded residential care than their current place allocation allows can seek additional places through a streamlined, non-competitive process. The bed-ready process is available until 30 June 2024, when residential aged care places will be assigned directly to older people through the Places to People program. Find out more about the bed-ready application process.

Home Care News

Provider guidance: Home services pricing and agreements

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has developed the Home Services Pricing and Agreements – Navigating changes the right way guidance for Home Care Package (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers.

Legislation

Inspector-General of Aged Care (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023 [CTH] – Passed House of Reps 30 March 2023

The Inspector-General of Aged Care (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023 (the Bill) seeks to support the establishment of the new Inspector-General of Aged Care (the Inspector-General) by the Inspector-General of Aged Care Bill 2023 (which was also introduced to the House of Representatives on 22 March 2023). The proposed establishment of the Inspector-General forms part of the Government's response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (Royal Commission), published on 1 March 2021.

Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Registered Nurses) Principles 2023 [CTH] – partly commenced 1 April 2023; remainder to commence 1 July 2023

This instrument amends the Information Principles 2014, Quality of Care Principles 2014 and the Accountability Principles 2014 to provide for the granting of exemptions from the responsibility to provide a registered nurse 24/7 at all residential aged care facilities. This instrument also introduces new reporting requirements for certain approved providers to provide the Secretary with reports and further information requested by the Secretary.

Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Quarterly Financial Reports) Principles 2023 [CTH] – commenced 30 March 2023

This instrument amends the Accountability Principles 2014 to enable the Secretary to request from approved providers the following: updated information that is required to be included in the Quarterly Financial Report (QFR); and/or information or documents to validate information reported by a provider through a QFR or under request from the Secretary for updated information. This instrument also amends the Information Principles 2014 to enable the Secretary to publish any such information received in response to such requests.

[Draft] Guardianship and Administration Amendment Bill 2022 [TAS] – Introduced to Assembly 28 March 2023

The Guardianship and Administration Amendment Bill 2023 (the Bill) gives effect to a second tranche of recommendations from the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute’s Review of the Guardianship and Administration Act 1995 Final Report released in December 2018, and to the legislative recommendations of the Independent Review of the Public Trustee conducted by Damian Bugg AM KC in 2021.