AMA urges strong regulator role in aged care

Reviewing the role of the Aged Care Regulator will be crucial for aged care reform says the AMA.

The AMA provided a submission to the New Model of Regulating Aged Care consultation initiated by the Department of Health and Aged Care. 

In its submission the AMA expressed support for the proposed foundations of the new model that include a rights-based, person centred, risk-based approach, that aims for continuous improvement.

Referencing the lock downs in aged care homes during COVID-19 outbreaks from 2020 to 2022 that went beyond government recommendations, the AMA also warned that nothing would change in the future unless the functions and capabilities of the aged care regulator are strengthened.

The AMA submission argued that the considerations of a rights-based approach enshrined in relevant legislation will have to be such that ensure there are mechanisms for enforcing and ensuring those rights are upheld.

The AMA also called for the future regulation to ensure that securities are put in place to ensure that when an aged care home closes, vulnerable residents are not left in limbo, being transferred to other homes that are not their choice or to hospital while they wait for a place in another aged care home. 

Read the AMA’s submission to the New Model of Regulating Aged Care consultation.