Aged Care Quality Standards (Australia)
The seven strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards made under the Aged Care Act 2024 and set out in Chapter 1 Part 6 of the Aged Care Rules 2025. Structured as 7 Standards, 36 outcomes and 66 numbered actions. In force from 1 November 2025, replacing the 2019 edition.
Aged Care Quality Standards (Australia) is a compliance framework from Australia with 7 domains and 66 controls. The largest domains are Standard 2 - The organisation (17 controls), Standard 5 - Clinical care (17 controls), Standard 1 - The individual (10 controls). Every control below carries what it requires and what an assessor expects to see.
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Framework Domains (7)
Standard 1 - The individual
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ACQS25-1.1 | Safety, health and wellbeing as the primary consideration |
| ACQS25-1.10 | Informed decisions about agreements, fees and invoices |
| ACQS25-1.2 | Understanding and valuing individual identity and diversity |
| ACQS25-1.3 | Services developed with and tailored to the individual |
| ACQS25-1.4 | Delivery free from discrimination, abuse and neglect |
| ACQS25-1.5 | Practices to act compatibly with the Statement of Rights |
| ACQS25-1.6 | Supported decision making and choice |
| ACQS25-1.7 | Timely, accurate and understandable information |
| ACQS25-1.8 | Support for dignity of risk |
| ACQS25-1.9 | Autonomy and time before entering agreements |
Standard 2 - The organisation
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ACQS25-2.1 | Partnering with individuals on organisational priorities |
| ACQS25-2.10 | Individual complaints and feedback without reprisal |
| ACQS25-2.11 | Transparent management and use of complaints |
| ACQS25-2.12 | Accurate, current and accessible individual records |
| ACQS25-2.13 | Confidentiality and consent aligned information handling |
| ACQS25-2.14 | Workforce planning |
| ACQS25-2.15 | Skilled, qualified and competent workforce |
| ACQS25-2.16 | Training and supervision of aged care workers |
| ACQS25-2.17 | Emergency and disaster management planning |
| ACQS25-2.2 | Governing body leadership of culture supporting the workforce |
| ACQS25-2.3 | Governing body leadership of culture supporting individuals |
| ACQS25-2.4 | Governing body accountability and operational oversight |
| ACQS25-2.5 | Quality system driving continuous improvement |
| ACQS25-2.6 | Current policies and procedures followed by the workforce |
| ACQS25-2.7 | Risk management system |
| ACQS25-2.8 | Incident management system |
| ACQS25-2.9 | Worker complaints and feedback without reprisal |
Standard 3 - The care and services
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ACQS25-3.1 | Engagement in developing and reviewing care and services plans |
| ACQS25-3.2 | Content of care and services plans |
| ACQS25-3.3 | Review and operational use of care and services plans |
| ACQS25-3.4 | Services that meet needs and optimise reablement |
| ACQS25-3.5 | Culturally safe and appropriate delivery |
| ACQS25-3.6 | Effective communication of critical information |
| ACQS25-3.7 | Escalation of risk and deterioration |
| ACQS25-3.8 | Planning and coordination across providers |
Standard 4 - The environment
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ACQS25-4.1 | Mitigating environmental risk in the individual's home |
| ACQS25-4.2 | Safe and comfortable service environment |
| ACQS25-4.3 | Safety and suitability of equipment |
| ACQS25-4.4 | Infection prevention and control system |
| ACQS25-4.5 | Hygienic practices and infection precautions |
Standard 5 - Clinical care
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ACQS25-5.1 | Governing body assurance of clinical safety and quality |
| ACQS25-5.10 | Coordinated multidisciplinary clinical care |
| ACQS25-5.11 | Early identification of changing clinical needs |
| ACQS25-5.12 | High impact and high prevalence clinical risk |
| ACQS25-5.13 | Care for individuals experiencing cognitive impairment |
| ACQS25-5.14 | Identifying triggers for changes in behaviour |
| ACQS25-5.15 | Palliative and end of life needs and dignity |
| ACQS25-5.16 | Active management of pain and symptoms |
| ACQS25-5.17 | Support for families and supporters at end of life |
| ACQS25-5.2 | Integration of clinical governance into corporate governance |
| ACQS25-5.3 | Antimicrobial stewardship |
| ACQS25-5.4 | Minimising and controlling infection risk in clinical care |
| ACQS25-5.5 | Safe and beneficial use of medicines |
| ACQS25-5.6 | Prescribing, administration and review of medicines |
| ACQS25-5.7 | Monitoring and reporting of medicine related adverse events |
| ACQS25-5.8 | Comprehensive evidence based clinical care |
| ACQS25-5.9 | Full clinical care cycle from assessment to review |
Standard 6 - Food and nutrition
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ACQS25-6.1 | Partnering with individuals on food and drinks |
| ACQS25-6.2 | Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences |
| ACQS25-6.3 | Provision of nutritious and appetising food and drinks |
| ACQS25-6.4 | Support to eat and drink |
| ACQS25-6.5 | Quality of the dining experience |
Standard 7 - The residential community
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ACQS25-7.1 | Daily living that optimises quality of life |
| ACQS25-7.2 | Feeling safe in the residential care home |
| ACQS25-7.3 | Well coordinated transitions |
| ACQS25-7.4 | Clear accountability across workers and organisations |
What is Aged Care Quality Standards (Australia) and who does it apply to?
Aged Care Quality Standards (Australia) is a compliance framework from Australia with 7 domains and 66 controls. The seven strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards made under the Aged Care Act 2024 and set out in Chapter 1 Part 6 of the Aged Care Rules 2025. Structured as 7 Standards, 36 outcomes and 66 numbered actions. In force from 1 November 2025, replacing the 2019 edition. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
What does Aged Care Quality Standards (Australia) actually require?
Aged Care Quality Standards (Australia) has 66 controls organised across 7 domains. The largest domains are Standard 2 - The organisation (17 controls), Standard 5 - Clinical care (17 controls), Standard 1 - The individual (10 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
If I already comply with another framework, how much of Aged Care Quality Standards (Australia) do I already cover?
Aged Care Quality Standards (Australia) does not currently have cross-framework mappings in our system. Check back as we continuously expand our mapping database.
How do I implement Aged Care Quality Standards (Australia)?
Start your Aged Care Quality Standards (Australia) compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about Aged Care Quality Standards (Australia) requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 66 controls and track your progress.
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