Accreditation site audits
What is an accreditation site audit?
An accreditation site audit is a process whereby an assessment team appointed by the Agency assesses the quality of care provided by the applicant against the Accreditation Standards.
What is the process for an accreditation site audit?
A brief summary of the process is as follows:
- the approved provider submits an application for accreditation which includes a self-assessment
- a desk audit is conducted by an assessment team
- if the audit proceeds to site, a site audit is conducted by the assessment team against the Accreditation Standards
- the assessment team writes a report which includes recommendations regarding accreditation of the residential aged care home
- a decision-maker, separate from the team, makes a decision
- the approved provider is informed of the decision
- the Department of Health and Ageing is informed
- issuing of an accreditation certificate
- the decision and report are published on the Agency’s website
- the residential aged care home submits a plan for continuous improvement.
It is the responsibility of the approved provider to demonstrate the residential aged care home complies with the Accreditation Standards. Please be aware that providing false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Criminal Codes Act 1995.
How are residents involved in accreditation?
The approved provider must inform residents and their representatives about an accreditation site audit. The Agency provides a notice which may be displayed in the residential aged care home, and a letter which may be sent to the residents and their representatives. These are available in 16 community languages:
The assessment team interviews at least 10% of residents or their representatives during an accreditation site audit.
Residential aged care homes are encouraged to tell residents/representatives about the outcomes of an accreditation site audit, including information on any non-compliance, serious risk and sanctions.
Can the decision be reconsidered or reviewed?
The Agency can reconsider decisions about site audits. The approved provider can also seek review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on some decisions. More information on reconsideration and reviews.
What information is publicly available?
Accreditation site audit decisions and reports are available on our website under Reports on homes.
