5 Key Compliance Requirements Every Aged Care Employer Needs to Know
Aged care in Australia is coupled with a number of regulations and requirements for compliance. Understanding the same is not only necessary in the light of law for the aged care employers but also to extend quality services to the residents. In this article, we will explain five essential areas of compliance every employer in the aged care business needs to know and best practices toward compliance with the same.
1. Understanding the Aged Care Quality Standards
What Are the Aged Care Quality Standards?
The Aged Care Quality Standards provide a framework that aged care services must follow in ensuring consumer dignity, health, and safety. These standards ensure that care providers deliver safe and quality services, meeting the needs and preferences of aged care recipients.
Key Areas of Focus
- Consumer Dignity and Choice: This involves ensuring that residents are given the right to make choices about their care.
- Ongoing Assessment and Planning: Review regularly the care plan with a view to responding to changing needs.
- Personal and Clinical Care: Provide appropriate care that responds to each resident’s unique need.
Best Practices
- Regular training and education of staff on the Quality Standards.
- Having a feedback mechanism for residents and families to raise concerns and make suggestions.
2. Staff Screening and Background Checks
Importance of Background Checks
Aged care employers have to ensure that the eligibility for employment for all employees is checked through screening policies and procedures. This provides not only protection from potential harm to vulnerable populations but also sustains public confidence.
Mandatory Checks
- National & International Criminal History Check: Each aged care employee needs to undertake a national police check to make sure they do not pose any risk to vulnerable groups within the community.
- Working with Children Checks: If one of the services offered by your facility is care for younger clientele, your staff may also need to undergo working with children checks.
Best Practices
- Institute a rigorous screening process, where both interviews and reference checks are conducted.
- Update employee records periodically as required by changing legislation.
3. Workplace Health and Safety Regulations
Understanding WHS Regulations
WHS regulations outline the duties of care of the employer in ensuring the health and safety of the workers and clients. The aged care employer must provide a work environment that is safe to work in and institute practices that minimise risks.
Key Requirements
- Risk Assessments: Conduct periodic assessments regarding potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures.
- Training Programs: Run training programs for staff on safe working practices and emergency procedures.
Best Practices
- Create a safety culture where employees feel comfortable pointing out hazards without fear of retaliation.
- Follow up regularly on safety audits and address identified issues promptly.
4. Compliance with Employment Legislation
Overview of Employment Laws
Aged care employers are required to comply with numerous employment laws that determine the rights and obligations of both employees and employers. These include proper payment, reasonable hours, and leave entitlements.
Key Considerations
- Awards and Agreements: Employees should receive payments as per the applicable award or enterprise agreement.
- Employee Entitlements: Provide for leave, superannuation, and other employee entitlements.
Best Practices
- Keep employment contracts updated in accordance with any changes in the law.
- Train managers to promote equality and fairness in the workplace.
5. Privacy and Confidentiality
Why is Privacy an Issue?
Aged care service providers must respect resident privacy in all practices. Employers have obligations under the Privacy Act and other legislation covering the management of personal information.
Key Privacy Requirements
- Informed Consent: Residents must consent to the collection and disclosure of their personal information.
- Data Protection: Take every measure to ensure sensitive information is kept private and accessible only to those authorized.
Best Practices
- Train staff on various aspects of privacy and data protection.
- Revisit privacy policies to ensure they align with current legal requirements.
6. Conclusion
Aged care employers must remain proactive and informed in order to meet Australian regulations, provide quality care, and avoid legal risks. By adhering to these key compliance requirements, you can ensure a safer and more effective care environment for both your staff and residents.