2.17 Clinical Care Policy and Procedure

This policy and procedure set out the expectation that organisations do everything they can to provide safe and effective clinical care. The Choice Community Health is committed to providing clinical care that has been recognised as an assessed need and indicated in the care plan.

Policy

Choice Community Health is committed to providing safe clinical care to aged care recipients by utilising a trained and competent staff which follow set protocols governed by robust management systems.

This policy is in compliance with the following legislations:

Aged Care Act 1997

Aged Care Quality Standards

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

Aged Care Act 1997:

The Aged Care Act 1997 is a fundamental piece of legislation that governs the provision of aged care services in Australia. It establishes the framework for the operation of aged care services and includes various provisions related to clinical care standards. Compliance with this act is crucial for aged care providers.

Key aspects related to clinical care standards in the Aged Care Act include:

Ensuring that the care provided to care recipients is of high quality and meets their needs.

Ensuring that the health and well-being of care recipients are prioritised.

Regulating and funding aged care services to maintain standards of care.

Aged Care Quality Standards:

The Aged Care Quality Standards are a set of standards introduced to ensure the quality and safety of aged care services. Compliance with these standards is mandatory for all aged care providers. The standards cover various aspects of care, including clinical care.

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA):

AHPRA is the agency responsible for regulating health practitioners in Australia. It works in conjunction with the National Boards to ensure that health practitioners meet the required standards and conduct themselves ethically and safely. While AHPRA primarily regulates health practitioners, it indirectly affects clinical care standards in aged care through its regulation of healthcare professionals.

Compliance with AHPRA regulations is essential for healthcare professionals who provide clinical care services in aged care settings, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. Practitioners are required to maintain professional registration and adhere to standards of practice and conduct as set by their respective National Boards.

Choice Community Health is compliant with the Aged Care Act 1997, Aged Care Quality Standards, and AHPRA regulations are critical for ensuring that clinical care standards are met in aged care settings. Failure to comply with these legislative and regulatory requirements can result in serious consequences, including the loss of accreditation and funding for aged care services, and disciplinary actions against healthcare professionals.