The new Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards are set to take effect on 1 July 2025, though this date may
change, and providers should be prepared for an earlier start. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
(Commission) has released guidance to support providers in their preparations, including a draft evidence
framework.
This framework makes it clear that when assessing compliance with the new Standards, the Commission’s focus is on
outcomes rather than directives, meaning organisations must not only have systems in place but must actively
demonstrate they’re being used effectively to produce tangible results for older people. This presents a compliance
challenge for providers that is too complex and onerous to be achieved via simple “box ticking”.
Why you need to build a culture of compliance
The Commission outlines that for each requirement under the Standards, organisations need to:
understand the requirement
- apply it in the delivery of care and services
- monitor its implementation and the results it achieves
- review these outcomes and adjust practices for continuous improvement.
These principles align with the core goal of the new Quality Standards: to focus on outcomes for older people and
ensure that organisations delivering Commonwealth-subsidised aged care services meet high standards of care.
To meet these requirements, organisations need to establish policies that clearly outline the who, what, when,
where, and why of each obligation. However, policies alone aren’t enough – compliance is driven by people. Policies
need to be brought to life through staff engagement, ensuring that everyone understands their role in meeting the
Standards.
For effective compliance, organisations must:
- ensure easy access to policies through a central, online repository
- educate staff with clear work instructions to ensure policies are applied accurately
- monitor and review compliance using tools such as audits and competency assessments. This ensures that real data is collected on outcomes, helping to identify areas for improvement.
The P-LAR methodology
Ideagen CompliSpace has developed a proven approach for embedding compliance into an organisation’s culture
through its P-LAR methodology, which aligns directly with the Commission’s four metrics. P-LAR stands for Policy,
Learning, Assurance, and Reporting.
- Policy: Tailored policies form the foundation of compliance, covering all relevant obligations.
- Learning: Training and tools help staff understand and apply policies in daily practice.
- Assurance: Audits and monitoring ensure that policies are being implemented effectively.
- Reporting: High-quality reporting enables leadership to review outcomes, respond to feedback, and
continuously improve care.
Originally developed to help schools meet compliance following the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses
to Child Sexual Abuse, the P-LAR methodology addresses the same systemic challenges seen in aged care. It ensures
organisations understand, apply, monitor, and review their practices effectively, aligning with the Quality Standards'
goals.
What’s next?
As aged care regulations continue to evolve, having a strong compliance culture is critical. With unannounced audits
and potential penalties for non-compliance, organisations need to be prepared. The P-LAR framework offers a
dynamic solution that helps providers maintain compliance, adapt to changes, and continuously improve care
delivery.
To learn more about building a compliance culture, visit complicare.com.au
Authors
Nicole Chen
Nicole is a Principal Consultant at Ideagen CompliSpace with a background in the healthcare industry across acute, aged, and community services. Throughout her career, she has held various management and clinical positions, contributing significantly to both research and higher education within the sector.
Nicole provides valuable knowledge and insights from both a clinical perspective and a nuanced understanding of the operational and strategic aspects of healthcare. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), a Postgraduate Certificate and a Bachelor in Nursing.
Nick Edwards
Nick is a Legal Content Senior Associate at Ideagen CompliSpace. Nick has several years' experience designing and administering eLearning for the Aged Care Sector and holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Technology Sydney with First Class Honours
