Timetables for improvement

What is a timetable for improvement?

A Timetable for improvement is a program setting out the improvements and the maximum time allowed to address issues of non-compliance identified by the Agency.

At any stage of the accreditation process – during the course of a site audit, support contact or review audit – the Agency may identify areas of non-compliance with the Accreditation Standards.

If the Agency decides to set a Timetable for improvement, the home will be given written advice about the matters in respect of which improvements need to be made to ensure compliance with the Accreditation Standards.

The document sets out:

• improvements required to ensure compliance
• the date by which the home must comply with the Accreditation Standards
• a schedule setting out the form and frequency of support contacts planned by the Agency to monitor progress against the timetable and to assist the home to achieve compliance.

The Agency will monitor progress and assist the home to achieve compliance by conducting support contacts. Please be aware that providing false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Criminal Codes Act 1995.

What happens if the home is non-compliant at the end of the timetable?

If the non-compliance is found at a site audit, support contact, or a review audit, and the decision is to vary the accreditation period, the Agency may set a Timetable for improvement. In these circumstances if at the end of the timetable the home has any non-compliance the Agency must recommend to the Department of Health and Ageing that sanctions be imposed

If a decision is made not to revoke and there is non-compliance, the Agency will request that the provider agree to a Timetable for improvement. In this circumstance if at the end of the timetable the home has any non-compliance the Agency must tell the Department of Health and Ageing and the provider about whether or not sanctions should be imposed on the provider.

Because homes are required to comply with the Accreditation Standards at all times and to ensure care for residents is not compromised, it is vital that the home achieves compliance promptly, and in any event, by the end of the timetable.

If the Agency is not satisfied that a home complies with the Accreditation Standards at the end of a timetable for improvement, it notifies the Department of Health and Ageing and recommends that sanctions be imposed. The Agency may also further review the home’s accreditation, through a review audit and will continue to monitor the home’s performance.