Aged Care Essentials | Understanding the deeming process in aged care: A step towards the new regulatory model

With the new Aged Care Act set to commence on 1 July 2025, the Department of Health and Aged Care is introducing a deeming process to transition existing government-funded aged care providers into the new regulatory framework.

What is changing?

Under the new model, all aged care providers will be registered under a universal provider registration system, consolidating registration across various aged care programs. Providers offering multiple services—such as home care and residential aged care—will only need to register once.

As part of this transition, existing providers will automatically be deemed registered when the new Aged Care Act takes effect. This will be based on the services they currently deliver, ensuring that providers are registered from day one of the new system.

Renewal of provider registration

All aged care providers will be registered for a standard three-year period. To help manage the renewal process efficiently, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will stagger renewal dates for existing providers.

When determining registration renewal dates, the Commission will consider several factors, including:

• Risk profile
• Regulatory intelligence
• Workforce capacity
• Recency of accreditation audits

Before a provider’s registration period expires, the Commission will notify them to begin the renewal process. Providers will receive a specified timeframe for submitting their Registration Renewal Application Form, which will vary based on their registration category and whether an audit against the Quality Standards is required. This process may begin up to 18 months before the registration expiry date.

To maintain registration, providers must demonstrate their suitability, capability, viability, and propriety in delivering aged care services—both at initial registration and at renewal.

Understanding the deeming process

The deeming process involves assigning existing aged care providers to specific registration categories based on the services they currently offer or as stipulated in their funding agreements. The Department of Health and Aged Care utilises existing data to facilitate this transition and may contact certain providers for additional information to ensure accurate categorisation.

The key steps in the deeming process:

• Contact Confirmation: Aged care providers will receive a Contact Nomination Request from the Department of Health and Aged Care to verify their contact details.
• Category Validation: Aged care providers will be sent a Deeming Validation Survey to verify and confirm their registration categories.
• Feedback Resolution: The Department of Health and Aged Care will address any feedback to finalise registration categories before the formal deeming occurs in 2025.
• Obligation Communication: Aged care providers will be informed about their obligations corresponding to their assigned registration categories.
• Official Registration: Aged care providers will be registered under the new system upon the commencement of the new Aged Care Act.

What does this mean for providers?

Aged care providers that are already operational will not need to apply for registration prior to the new Act’s commencement.

In the months leading up to the Act’s enactment, the Department of Health and Aged Care will contact providers to gather any missing details, verify their registration categories, and clarify their obligations.

Special considerations

• Multiple Entities Under a Single ABN: Aged care providers with multiple entities under a single Australian Business Number (ABN) may opt to keep separate records, though this could lead to inefficiencies and higher costs. Consolidation is recommended to streamline operations.
• Subcontractors (Associated Providers): Subcontractors involved with government-funded providers will not be deemed registered themselves. They may continue providing services under the contracts with registered providers.

What do providers need to do?

The Department of Health and Aged Care states that aged care providers do not need to take any action at this time. The Department of Health and Aged Care will reach out in the coming months to support providers in the transition.

However, it is important to be ‘transition ready’, which includes having a firm understanding of the new Act and the Strengthened Quality Standards. Providers are encouraged to promptly inform the Department of any changes in circumstances or contact details. Updates can be made through account managers or via the Manage Your Organisation tile within the Government Provider Management System (GPMS). Keeping information current is crucial for a smooth transition and ongoing compliance.

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