Provider Obligations Under the New Aged Care Act
Aged care provider obligations under the new Aged Care Act: the Statement of Rights, strengthened Quality Standards and registration conditions.
A new, rights-based law
The Statement of Rights
Registration and conditions
The strengthened Quality Standards
Accountability, safety and conduct
Fees, transparency and refunds
What this means when you choose a provider
Frequently asked questions
What is the Statement of Rights?
It is a legally enforceable list of rights in the new Aged Care Act, covering dignity, respect, safety, privacy, and your right to make your own decisions. Providers must understand it and show they have practices in place to deliver care compatible with those rights.
Do these obligations apply to home care providers?
Yes. The obligations apply to registered providers of government-funded aged care, which includes Support at Home providers delivering care in your home as well as residential aged care homes. The specific conditions depend on the services a provider delivers and the risks involved.
What can I do if I think a provider is overcharging?
Ask for a clear written explanation of the charges first. Providers must be transparent about pricing. The regulator now has power to order refunds where services have been overcharged, and you can raise concerns with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
How do provider obligations help me choose care?
They give you a checklist. Ask how a provider upholds the Statement of Rights, manages complaints and incidents, screens workers, and sets prices. Clear, plain answers are a good sign; vague or defensive ones are a reason to keep looking.