Are you ready for Care Time Reporting Assessments?
October 5, 2023 | AN-ACC
Mandatory care minute targets came into effect on 1st October and with this also brings the introduction of Care Time Reporting Assessments.
In a recent webinar hosted by the department, the sector was provided with an overview of what these assessments are and how they will be conducted.
What you need to know
Within 18 months of 1st October, every provider will receive an assessment, and this will reoccur every 3 years or at random based on risk. The purpose of these assessments is to ensure accuracy of care minute reporting in Quarterly Financial Reports and 24/7 RN time in line with the 24/7 RN responsibility.
Whilst the department plan to take an education first approach with good faith reporting errors, previously published information on care minutes and 24/7 RN time will be updated, including Star Ratings, if needed. Proportionate compliance action will also be taken for deliberate or negligent misreporting.
For a more comprehensive overview of the care minutes policy, care minutes responsibilities and to assess your preparedness you can find the Aged Care Reform Webinar and slides here.
How you can prepare
It is prudent for the sector to adopt a proactive approach and prepare for these assessments, sooner rather than later, to maintain compliance and operational efficiency.
At Mirus Australia, we understand the challenges providers are facing in the lead up to regulatory changes. We are committed to offering business services that support providers to mitigate regulatory risk and gain insight into their alignment with industry best practice.
In anticipation of Care Time Reporting Assessments, we are excited to present our Care Time Reporting Assurance Service.
This offering includes the following key components:
- External validation that care minute assumptions are consistent with industry best practice by benchmarking with over 156 facilities.
- Providing your business with confidence that the baseline care minutes are aligned with the Department’s care minute guidelines.
- Identifying potential gaps between current and compliant levels of direct care allocations.
- Insight into the impact of that changes in care minute allocations will have on the next QFR.
- Other related recommendations on areas to consider for improvement, including the revision or development of an existing care minute policy.
Is your team ready for the Care Time Reporting Assessments? If not, we’re here to help!
If you would like to have a chat about how we can support you with our Care Time Reporting Assurance Service, contact us today.
