Re-accreditation site audits - overview
What is a re- accreditation site audit?
Re-accreditation site audits (also referred to as site audits) occur before a home’s existing period of re-accreditation expires. A brief summary of the process is as follows:
- an assessment team reviews the application for re-accreditation of a home which may include a self-assessment
- if the audit proceeds, a site audit is conducted by the assessment team against the Accreditation Standards
- the assessment team writes a report
- a decision-maker, separate from the team, makes a decision about the home’s performance against the Accreditation Standards and re-accreditation period (if any).
What happens on site?
At a re-accreditation audit, aged care assessors visit a home and speak with residents and their families, staff and management to determine whether the home meets all the Accreditation Standards and expected outcomes. They also observe what is happening at the home and look at supporting documentation. The team is usually on site for two days.
How are residents and representatives involved?
Leading up to a re-accreditation site audit, a home is obliged to inform residents and representatives that the re-accreditation site audit will occur and that they have an opportunity to talk to members of the assessment team in private.
Interviewing residents and their representatives is an essential part of information gathering about a home. It is important that residents and their representatives are able to participate and can express their views concerning the care and services delivered by the home.
The team interviews at least 10% of residents or their representatives. Residents and their representatives may also provide written information to the team if they wish.
If the home has a number of residents who do not speak English, the team may organise an interpreter.
The home ensures those residents or their representatives who wish to speak to the assessment team can do so in private and are assured of confidentiality.
The decision making process
The assessment team writes a report which contains their findings only. A decision as to the home's performance against the Accreditation Standards is made separately by an independent decision-maker.
What does the decision include?
The decision includes information on whether the home is to be accredited and for how long. The decision also includes information about areas the home needs to improve in order to meet the Accreditation Standards.
Most homes, if they meet all requirements, receive three years' re-accreditation. A home must be re-accredited by the Accreditation Agency in order to receive funding from the Australian Government. Homes with a major or persistent failure to meet the Accreditation Standards may receive shorter periods of re-accreditation, or not be accredited at all. This is especially relevant where there is a serious risk to residents’ health, safety and wellbeing.
What information is publicly available?
Decisions about re-accreditation and the assessment team’s site audit report are available on this website. Access a report on a residential aged care home.
What other information is available about re-accreditation site audits?
Click here for more information about accreditation site audits.