Data-led decisions in an
AN-ACC world

The new AN-ACC funding model will bring with it an unprecedented connection between funding (case mix) and minimum care minutes. 

• From October 2021, care minutes data was added to the annual ACFR information reported to the department. 
• From July 2022, this reporting will become a quarterly requirement. 
• In October 2022, the implementation of AN-ACC and the launch of the star rating system will introduce a new requirement to meet minimum care minutes derived from an AN-ACC case mix adjusted average for the facility. 
• In October 2023, the care minute requirement will become a mandatory compliance requirement. 

The paradigm shift for the industry is created by the connection of the care minute requirement to the AN-ACC classifications. This causal link means that any change in AN-ACC will directly affect the demand side of rostering. Further, any change in the resident mix will change the AN-ACC Average Daily Subsidy (ADS) and the care minute requirements. To maintain compliance with the star ratings or later mandatory care minute requirements, an adjustment to AN-ACC or to the rosters will need to be made. 

Some aged care providers are beginning to draw together the data they need to operate using an integrated data model leveraging a system, process or platform. The essential data, in order, includes: 

First: Admissions data. Visibility of your admissions pipeline, and your departures will help plan long range changes (6-8 weeks) to your AN-ACC and therefore care requirements. 

Second: Workforce data. Stable, well defined master rosters and templates will help you flex and maintain compliance. 

Third: AN-ACC (Medicare) data. This is last because it is the case mix that drives the potential funding and care minutes. Any change in the case mix adjusted average funding (ADS) will also adjust care minutes. This is the lever that might be the most easily adjusted.