Royal Commission Terms of Reference released

by | Oct 9, 2018 | Aged Care Blog

The Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety have now been announced. WA Supreme Court Judge, the Honourable Justice Joseph McGrath and former CEO of Medicare, Lynelle Briggs appointed Commissioners.

As expected, the Terms of Reference are broad and they can be reviewed here. Of note, the Terms outline the scope of the quality and safety matters that the Commission will look at which include, but are not limited to:

  • dignity
  • choice and control
  • nutrition
  • medication management
  • end of life care
  • systems to ensure that high quality care is delivered, such as governance arrangements and management support systems.

The Commission will also look at the interface with other services accessed by people receiving aged care services, including primary health care services, acute care and disability services, and relevant regulatory systems. This should take into account how people transition from other care environments or between aged care settings.

Examples of good practice and innovative models in delivering aged care services will also be considered along with the findings and recommendations of previous relevant reports and inquiries.

An interim report is required to be provided by 31 October 2019 and the final report by 30 April 2020.

Providers should now begin a process of risk assessment against each of the Terms of Reference. This may entail collating of documents and policies which will demonstrate how your organisation addresses each of the issues raised and identifying people within the organisation who may be best placed to speak to the matters, if required.

For further advice or information as to what steps may be required, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Gemma McGrath

Gemma McGrath