Care time reporting assessments for residential aged care
The department is conducting care time reporting assessments to check on the accuracy of care minutes and 24/7 Registered Nurse information reported by residential aged care homes.
Care minutes are the amount of direct care that older people living in residential care receive from:
- registered nurses (RNs)
- enrolled nurses (ENs)
- personal care workers (PCWs) or assistants in nursing (AINs) – also known as nursing assistants.
Mandatory direct care minutes were introduced in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Mandatory care minutes ensure that older people in aged care homes receive the dedicated care time they need.
The 24/7 RN responsibility was introduced in response to recommendation 86 of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
By ensuring qualified and experienced care staff are available to identify and address potential risks, this:
- improves resident safety
- gives residents better access to clinical care in their aged care home
- prevents unnecessary trips to hospital emergency rooms.
Read more about 24/7 RN responsibility.
Reporting assessments are important because they:
- ensure services are meeting their mandatory care requirements
- inform Star Ratings for residential aged care homes
- improve accuracy of information provided to the sector and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Every service provider will be assessed by 1 April 2025, and at least once every three years after that. Additional risk-based and random assessments will also take place to further ensure accuracy.
We understand providers might still be refining reporting processes. We will apply procedural fairness if we identify discrepancies during an assessment. For further information or advice email ANACCReportingAssessments@health.gov.au.
Let's change aged care, together
Every Australian should feel confident about accessing high quality and safe aged care, when and where they need it.
The changes mean Older people will have greater choice and control, services that respect and meet their needs, and support to stay independent as they age.
To find out more and help design the changes, visit the Get Involved page or call 1800 318 209.