Aged Care Act Rules – Provider Obligations: Submission to the Department of Health and Aged Care

PCA’s comments in this brief submission aim to ensure that the Aged Care Act Rules support people using or seeking Commonwealth-funded aged care to access palliative care and end-of-life care. This new right is set out in the new Aged Care Act.

In this submission, PCA:

  • Welcomes proposed provider obligations related to the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, including those related to palliative care and end-of-life clinical care (Standard 5.7)
  • Recommends the Rules include additional detail about what should be included in quality improvement plans (at Part 4, Division 2) and what constitutes the “appropriate qualifications and skills” of aged care workers (at Part 6, Division 1, Subdivision C).

Palliative care and end-of-life care should be addressed in each of these areas, given this a core competency in aged care.

PCA also recommends swift publication of Rules about Supporters. The introduction of the new supported decision-making approach is a significant reform to aged care. This will require substantial targeted communication and education for providers, older people and their supporters, family and carers – including prior to commencement of the new regulatory framework from July 2025.

PCA Submission Draft Aged Care Rules Provider Obligations March 2025.pdf
X

Share this article

Select where you would like to share this article

We recognise and acknowledge those who are working through Sorry Business, Sad News, grief and bereavement and offer our condolences and support.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this website may contain images, videos and voices of people who have passed on. Some of the content and topics covered might also cause distress. You are welcome here, and we want you to feel safe and take care.

If you find that you need support please reach out to 13YARN on 13 92 76, Grief Australia, Grief Line on 1300 845 745, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Palliative Care Australia is located in Canberra. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the surrounding land and waters, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri Peoples and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend that same respect and acknowledge the continuing cultures and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across Australia.

Close