outline the next steps in the process of progressing and finalising the draft standards and the quality assessment process. 2 - DRAFT QUALITY STANDARDS the draft quality standards The Quality Standards Consultation Paper proposed eight draft standards: Consumer dignity, autonomy and choice Ongoing assessment and planning with consumers Delivering personal care and/or clinical care Delivering lifestyle services and supports Service environment Feedback and complaints Human resources Organisational governance. Each of the draft standards included: a consumer outcome, such as ‘I am treated with dignity and respect’ an organisation statement, such as ‘The organisation has a culture of inclusion, acceptance and respect for consumers’ a set of requirements, such as ‘The organisation demonstrates that each consumer’s identity, culture and diversity is respected’. For each draft standard, explanatory information detail the rationale for the standard and the evidence supporting the approach adopted. This information was intended to be explanatory only, noting that once the standards are settled, detailed guidance will be developed by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency (the Quality Agency). This will provide further information for providers, quality surveyors and consumers about how performance against the standards may be evidenced and assessed. Feedback on a single set of standards There was support for a single set of standards, applicable across all aged care programs. Stakeholders noted that this would reduce duplication of effort for providers delivering more than one type of service and be of greater value to consumers. “We commend the overall approach to having one, single framework for the standards for quality in aged care.” Stakeholders also broadly supported the content of the standards noting that they were: effectively structured (in terms of outcome, statement and requirement) better focused on consumer outcomes and goals not overly prescriptive (avoiding the risk of stifling innovation) drafted in appropriate language with the appropriate intent (“It is language I would use”) likely to lead to better conversations between providers and consumers relevant and meaningful
prepare, including modifying their current quality frameworks and educating staff and consumers about the changes. Next steps The feedback from public consultation is considered in further developing the preferred option(s) for quality assessments. In addition, consideration is being given to whether further consultation will be undertaken on implementation of the preferred approach. appropriate, aspects of the new quality assessment arrangements may be piloted prior to implementation. Government agreement and amendments to the legislation will be sought after the preferred quality arrangements are finalised. Visit the to subscribe to announcements and the eNewsletter to keep up to date with important messages affecting the aged care sector, including updates on the Single Quality Framework. ATTACHMENT A – PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS RESPONDING TO ONLINE SURVEY Respondents to the online survey were asked to choose the role that best describes them, and the responses are grouped below. Respondents were able to choose more than one role. Table 1 Role of Respondents to Online Survey Category of Respondent Online survey responses Draft Quality Standards Consultation Paper Online survey responses Quality Assessment Options Paper Aged care consumer, including family and/or carer 32 12 Aged care service provider 63 55 Aged care worker/professional 42 23 Aged care advocate 16 11 Peak body – consumer 13 8 Peak body – provider 22 12 Peak body – professional 19 7 Other 42 14 Not answered 3 2 The location where the respondents who completed the online surveys lived/operated was as follows- respondents were able to choose more than one location. Table 2 Location Respondents to Online Survey Lives or Operates Location of Respondent Online survey responses Draft Quality Standards Online survey responses Quality