The definitive guide for Australian providers.

All providers must be registered with the ACQSC and satisfy ongoing conditions of registration. The Act sets out suitability requirements, ongoing obligations, and the consequences of failing to meet registration conditions — including suspension (s 129) or revocation (s 131).

Individuals with management or control of a registered provider must satisfy a suitability test and undergo screening. Providers must notify the ACQSC of changes to responsible persons and ensure ongoing suitability. Failure to screen or notify can result in enforcement action.

Compliance with the Aged Care Code of Conduct is a provider registration condition under s 145. Providers must support and prepare aged care workers and responsible persons to comply, and take reasonable steps to secure compliance. Acknowledgement and learning records support that work. Concerns require a response and assessment of any separate reporting obligations.

Providers must meet all 7 Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards at all times. These standards cover the individual (dignity, choice, autonomy), the organisation (governance, safety culture, workforce), care and services, the environment, clinical care, food and nutrition, and the residential community. Self-assessment and evidence packs are essential for assessment contacts.

The Serious Incident Response Scheme requires all registered providers to identify, manage, and report serious incidents. Priority 1 incidents must be notified to the ACQSC within 24 hours. Priority 2 incidents must be notified within 30 calendar days. Providers must investigate all incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Detailed reporting rules sit in the Aged Care Rules 2025.

The Act requires providers to deal with complaints 'as soon as practicable' (Aged Care Rules 2025) and maintain a documented complaints management system. The ACQSC Better Practice Guide recommends acknowledgement within 5 business days and resolution within 30 calendar days as benchmarks. Providers must give feedback to complainants and use complaint data to identify systemic issues and drive quality improvements.

Section 165 addresses provider disclosure systems and policy. The protections beginning at section 547 apply to qualifying disclosures and include protection from victimisation and restrictions on sharing identity information, subject to statutory conditions and exceptions. Providers need clear arrangements for receiving and handling disclosures.

Providers must ensure all workers are screened, qualified, and competent. Residential providers must meet facility-level care minute targets (the sector-wide average target is 215 total / 44 RN minutes per resident per day, but each home's target varies with its resident mix), meet the requirement for an RN onsite and on duty at all times, subject to any approved exemption, and ensure ongoing training. Workforce compliance is a core condition of registration.

Providers holding refundable accommodation deposits (RADs) must meet strict prudential obligations. These include maintaining adequate liquidity, permitted use of accommodation payments, governance of financial management, and regular reporting. The Act strengthens protections for residents’ accommodation funds.

Providers must enter into written agreements with each person receiving care. Agreements must include mandatory content covering the care and services to be provided, fees and charges, rights and responsibilities, and complaint resolution. Agreements must be provided before or on the day care commences.