Standard 1
The Individual
Each person is treated with dignity and respect, and their identity, culture and diversity are valued. Care is delivered in a way that supports individual choice, independence and quality of life.
Quality & Standards
Our commitment to safe, person-centred care
We operate under the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards and maintain robust clinical governance across all community nursing services.
Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
The strengthened Quality Standards guide how we deliver care and services. Each standard sets clear expectations for providers and the people we support.
Standard 2
The Organisation
The organisation is accountable for the quality of care and services it delivers. Governance systems support safe, inclusive and person-centred care.
Standard 3
The Care and Services
Care and services are safe, effective and person-centred. They are delivered in accordance with the person's assessed needs, goals and preferences.
Standard 4
The Environment
The environment in which care and services are delivered is safe, clean and well maintained, and supports the person's wellbeing and quality of life.
Standard 5
Clinical Care
Clinical care is safe, effective and person-centred. Clinical governance systems ensure that clinical care is delivered in accordance with best practice and evidence-based guidelines.
Clinical governance framework
Clinical governance in community nursing is the systematic framework through which nurses, managers, and governing bodies share accountability for patient safety and continuously improve the quality of care. It ensures community-based care is evidence-based, culturally safe, and effectively manages clinical risks in home and local environments.
Core pillars
Clinical Effectiveness
Ensuring care delivered in the home (e.g., wound care, chronic disease management) aligns with the latest clinical guidelines and evidence.
Risk Management
Proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks unique to the community, such as environmental hazards, lone worker safety, and medication errors.
Consumer & Patient Engagement
Partnering with patients, their carers, and the broader local community to ensure care is person-centred and culturally responsive.
Workforce & Culture
Providing adequate clinical supervision, continuous training, and fostering a just culture where nurses feel safe to report errors or near-misses.
Information & Audit
Systematically reviewing patient outcomes, analysing clinical data, and conducting routine audits to drive continuous quality improvement.
Why it matters in the community
Autonomy vs. Oversight
Community nurses often work autonomously. Strong governance ensures clear policies, procedures, and clinical support networks are readily available.
Vulnerable Demographics
Community nursing frequently involves elderly patients, individuals with disabilities, and palliative care patients. Robust governance ensures their rights are protected and complex needs are continuously met.
Key frameworks & standards (Australia)
- • National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards — Clinical Governance Standard
- • Aged Care Quality Standards — enforced under the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
- • Primary and Community Healthcare Standards — accreditation via Quality Innovation Performance (QIP)
ACQSC registration categories
Providers must notify the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) of the service types they intend to deliver. The six registration categories are:
| Category | Description | Service types | Standards 1–4 | Standards 5–7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Home and community services | Domestic assistance, Home maintenance and repairs, Meals, Transport | Yes | No |
| Category 2 | Assistive technology and home modifications | Equipment and products, Home adjustments | Yes | No |
| Category 3 | Advisory and support services | Hoarding and squalor assistance, Social support and community engagement | Yes | No |
| Category 4 | Personal and care support in the home or community | Allied health and therapy, Personal care, Nutrition, Therapeutic services, Respite, Care management, Restorative care management | Yes | Partial (Outcome 5.1 for care management only) |
| Category 5 | Nursing and transition care | Nursing care, Assistance with transition care | Yes | Yes |
| Category 6 | Residential care | Residential accommodation, everyday living, clinical and non-clinical care | Yes | Standards 5, 6, 7 |
Registration fees
Organisations applying to become a registered provider must submit an application for registration form. After review, the ACQSC sends an invoice detailing applicable fees. If registering in categories 4, 5, or 6, an audit against the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards is required.
| Fee type | Activity | Fee | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | Entity level assessment | $3,270 | Once per application |
| Application | Review of category specific requirements (categories 1–3) | $1,270 | Once per category applied for |
| Application | Review of category specific requirements (categories 4–5) | $3,800 | Once per category applied for |
| Application | Review of category specific requirements (Category 6) | $5,070 | Once per category applied for |
| Application | Residential care home approval | $3,800 | Once per new residential care home |
| Audit | Registration audit (categories 4–6) | $14,870 | Once per application |
Fee waivers and fee reductions may apply if you meet particular criteria. Providers must notify the ACQSC of the service types they intend to deliver before commencing services.