AMA calls for nurse-to-resident ratio in aged care facilities
The AMA has called for a flexible registered nurse-to-resident ratio in submissions made to two Parliamentary inquiries into draft legislation regarding the aged care sector. The AMA made the submission to the Aged Care Amendment (Staffing Ratio Disclosure) Bill 2018 and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Bill 2018 after much consultation with members.
“The draft legislation will force residential aged care facilities to provide their staff-to-resident ratios every three months for publication. This will at least give people a more informed choice about which facility they choose for themselves, or for their family members,” AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said.
“The AMA has continually called for a regulated registered nurse-to-resident ratio, that adapts to the individual care needs of residents and ensures nurses are available 24 hours a day.”
The AMA also made a submission to the inquiry into the legislation establishing the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
“The AMA believes that, in addition to its regulatory functions, the Commission should and must make recommendations to the Government on ways to improve the aged care system, based on its work,” Dr Bartone said.
The AMA has strongly advocated for an aged care commission for some time, as demonstrated by the AMA Position Statement on Resourcing Aged Care 2018, released in April this year.
Read the full media release here.
