Red Tape Reduction Action Plan To be actioned No. Change proposed and segments of the aged care sector affected Timeframe for completion Considerations and action (incl. legislation changes) Impact and rationale Action area 1 ─ Policy settings and governance 1 Undertake an assessment of aged care regulatory framework against the Framework for Best Practice Regulation to identify further opportunities for reducing red tape. Early 2015 The Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Framework for Best Practice Regulation will support an integrated and systematic approach to considering the need for new regulation and reviewing existing regulation across the portfolio. Better policy on regulation regulation is imposed, providers, consumers and DSS will work collaboratively in co-designing regulatory responses. 2 Every policy option will be carefully assessed, its likely impact costed, and a range of viable alternatives considered in a transparent and accountable way against the default position of no new regulation Applies to the whole aged care system. Ongoing The Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Framework for Best Practice Regulation will support an integrated and systematic approach to considering the need for new regulation and reviewing existing regulation across the portfolio. Regulatory Impact Statements (RIS) will be prepared for all new substantive policies having regulatory impact. Consultation will be undertaken with regulated parties at all stages of the regulatory cycle: design, implementation and evaluation. Better policy on regulation Providers, consumers and government benefit from good regulatory practice which can reduce costs, contribute to making the aged care system easier to navigate and facilitate resources to front-line care services for consumers. DSS will work with stakeholders to define, assess and develop proportionate responses to risks, while protecting the vulnerable. Where regulation is imposed, providers, consumers and DSS will work collaboratively in co-designing regulatory responses. 3 Repeal of legislative building certification requirements Applies to residential aged care. Completed Relevant provisions of the Aged Care Act 1997 (the Act) proposed for repeal introduced into Parliament on 19 March 2014. The Bill was passed by Parliament on 22 September 2014 and received Royal Assent on 16 October 2014. The changes took effect the day after Royal Assent, 17 October 2014. Removal of duplication Certification requirements are drawn in part, from the Building Code of Australia (BCA). Regulation and enforcement of the BCA is the responsibility of state/territory governments. The objectives of Certification, to improve building in the aged care sector, have been achieved.
the ability to operate with greater autonomy through extended periods of accreditation. Applies to residential aged care. areas in which high performance can be assessed for greater autonomy. Analysis of provider performance over time will be required as part of risk analysis. Consumers will need to be reassured that the processes applied to recognise good performance meet high standards of consumer protection. Based on clear and publicly demonstrated transparent criteria, providers with a sustained record of good performance may be subject to reduced regulatory requirements and earned autonomy. Consumers will be assured that providers recognised in this way provide the highest standard of care. 29 Explore opportunities to simplify and streamline regulations in conjunction with the Aged Care Financing Authority’s review of access for supported residents. Applies to residential aged care. Jan – June 2016 Changes to aged care legislation may be required. Consultations will be undertaken with the sector on the regulatory impact of the requirements relating to supported residents. Simplifying regulations Under its operating framework, the ACFA is required to provide advice by 31 December 2015, to the Assistant Minister for Social Services on cost neutral mechanisms to ensure access to care for supported residents, including reviewing the efficiency, effectiveness, and appropriate level of: the supported resident ratio for each aged care planning region, and the ‘40 per cent’ rule for the Accommodation Supplement. [Where the payment to providers of the maximum accommodation supplement is conditional on having at least 40 per cent of supported residents in a facility.] Action area 2 ─ Streamlining administrative requirements 30 In line with the improvements to social services grant programmes working towards a single coherent grants regime, and in the context of the broader aged care programme, pursue opportunities within the Commonwealth Home Support Programme to streamline administrative arrangements. Completed Lies outside aged care legislation. Action has been taken in 2014 to initiate streamlined grant programmes for DSS, incorporating the first steps towards One agreement per provider Longer term grant agreements Streamlining reporting arrangements Providing access to a simple and easy to use IT system, the DSS Streamlining of contractual obligations This will simplify provider interactions with DSS and streamline provider record keeping. Single and consistent funding arrangements under one programme schedule (where possible) and one programme manual will assist providers in managing programmes. Streamlined and consistent reporting requirements (for financial, output and quality reporting) will reduce the burden on providers and improve accountability.