Compulsory Reporting Guidelines for Aged Care Providers
Recent amendments to the Aged Care Act 1997 (the Act) are designed to increase safeguards for residents of Aged Care homes.
The Act requires approved Aged Care providers to report physical and sexual assault on a resident of an Australian
Government subsidised Aged Care home.
From 1 July 2007 Aged Care providers must have systems and protocols in place that enable compulsory reporting of
such incidents. If the approved provider receives an allegation of, or starts to suspect on reasonable grounds that
unreasonable use of force or unlawful sexual conduct on a resident has taken place, they must report the allegation
or suspicion as soon as reasonably practicable and within 24 hours. They must also provide protections for staff
who report abuse.
Detailed information about the Responsibilities of Approved Providers in relation to alleged and suspected assult
can be found in 63-1AA of the Aged Care Act 1997, which can be viewed at www.health.gov.au.
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