Registration
Currently, providers can apply for approval to deliver three different types of aged care services. In response to recommendations made by the Aged Care Royal Commission, the Bill introduces ‘universal registration’ which merges the provider approval and accreditation processes under the current legislative framework into registration categories.
The Bill introduces registration categories based on the characteristics, risks and obligations of the service types they deliver. Providers must register in one or more registration categories based on the service types that they deliver. The draft Stage 1 Rules indicate there will be six categories:
- Home and community services;
- Assistive technology and home modifications;
- Advisory and support services;
- Personal and care support in the home or community (including respite);
- Nursing and transition care; and
- Residential care.
The registration categories enable proportionate regulation of services. For example, the regulatory obligations imposed on providers of domestic assistance or gardening will differ to those providing personal care or nursing services. Nevertheless, there will be conditions of registration which apply to all providers, regardless of their registration category. For example, it will be a condition of registration to comply with the Code of Conduct.
Current approved providers will be ‘deemed’ as registered providers. Providers will be required to re-register every three years. The registration categories will determine the amount of funding a provider receives from the Government.
Services
The service list outlines the funded care and services available to older people and aims to enhance transparency about the services registered providers may deliver. The service list contains service types which are delivered through service groups. There are four service groups: home support, residential care, assistive technology a home modifications. The Rules will specify the settings in which services types in certain service groups must be delivered.
Classification
Classification types differentiate the time period that services are delivered for. The three classification types are ongoing, short-term and hospital transition. Each classification type for each service group will have its own set of classification levels, to be prescribed by the Rules. For example, the ongoing classification type for the residential care service group will have different classification levels. An individual may be approved and given a classification level for multiple service groups or multiple classification types in a service group.
Overview of the provider registration process
We provide a flowchart that provides an overview of the provider registration process (identified in blue) and the entry process into aged care for an Individual (identified in red) proposed by the Bill and Stage 1 Rules. The flowchart highlights the key stages and may change depending on specific circumstances.
PROVIDER REGISTRATION PROCESS FLOWCHART
