Consumer and Quality Advisory Bodies in Aged Care: Reporting Requirements

Consumer and Quality Advisory Bodies in Aged Care: Reporting Requirements

I recently had the pleasure of hosting a complimentary 1-hour presentation on a topic that’s gaining significant traction in our industry: Consumer and Quality Advisory Bodies in Aged Care – Reporting Requirements. For those who couldn’t attend, or for anyone looking to dive deeper, I wanted to share some insights and key points from our session. See a link to the video below:

Understanding the Role of Advisory Bodies
Advisory bodies are integral to our governance system, offering a structured way to bring consumer priorities to the board table. They ensure that the voices of those we serve are not only heard but actively shape the quality of care we provide.

The Context of Reform
Governance in aged care isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about setting the direction and culture of our organisations, directly impacting the safety and quality of care. Effective governance involves:

• • Structuring the organisation and its governing body.
• • Implementing controls to manage risks and ensure compliance.
• • Distributing roles and responsibilities for executive decisions.
• • Circulating information effectively within the organisation.
• • Supporting decision-making, risk management, and compliance through robust frameworks.
• • Key Elements of the Reform

The reform covers several critical areas:

• • Membership of governing bodies.
• • Advisory Bodies (QCAB and CAB).
• • Suitability of Key Personnel.
• • Material changes and notification requirements.
• • Staff qualifications, skills, and experience.
• • Providers’ constitution.
• • Reporting requirements through the Government Management Provider System.
• • Reporting Requirements and Implementation

With the commencement date for existing approved providers set from December 1, 2023, we are now entering the ‘reporting season’ for the first reports. Here’s what you need to know:

Quality Care Advisory Bodies (QCAB)

• • Membership: Minimum of three members, including key personnel with operational expertise, someone involved in care delivery, and a consumer representative.
• • Reporting: At least every six months, the QCAB must produce a written report on the quality of care.
• • Feedback: QCABs should be able to provide feedback to the governing body at any time.
• • Documentation: Terms of reference, member charters, meeting minutes, agendas, and information packs are essential.

Consumer Advisory Bodies (CAB)

• • Engagement: Providers must offer consumer body engagement at least annually, ensuring the process is transparent and understandable.
• • Reporting: The governing body must consider and respond to reports from the CAB.
• • Co-design: Work with consumers to shape the advisory body’s focus.
• • Record-Keeping: Compliance with rigorous record-keeping requirements is mandatory.

Practical Insights and Best Practices
Setting up effective advisory bodies requires a codesign approach, ensuring that consumer priorities are integral to the process. Here are some practical tips:

• • Role and Members: Ensure the size and composition of the QCAB are fit for purpose, reflecting the organisation’s needs.
• • Meaningful Engagement: Focus on key areas that genuinely impact the quality of care and services.
• • Documentation: Maintain thorough records, including invitations, terms of reference, member charters, and minutes.
• • Reporting: Aggregate reports for all services, highlighting specific strengths or areas for improvement.

Ensuring Compliance
Compliance isn’t just about meeting legislative requirements; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Regularly evaluate your advisory bodies’ performance, ensure their feedback is genuinely considered, and document the governing body’s responses.

Here to Help
At Anchor Excellence, we’re committed to supporting you through these changes. Our Advisory Bodies Package includes everything you need to establish and maintain effective QCABs and CABs, from fact sheets and templates to training sessions and evaluation processes.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can ensure that our governance systems not only meet regulatory requirements but also enhance the quality of care for those we serve.

Warm regards,

Cynthia Payne
Managing Director and Founder
Anchor Excellence