The Aged Care Act 2024 introduces strengthened Suitability Matters requirements, shifting accountability for responsible persons from a compliance task to a core governance responsibility. This article sets out what boards need to know about identifying, assessing and reporting on Suitability Matters under Section 13 of the Act.
It explains who counts as a responsible person, the requirement to complete and document suitability assessments, and annual review obligations. It covers civil penalties for failing to notify changes in suitability, ranging up to 300 penalty units, and the Commissioner’s powers to issue banning orders or determine unsuitability. The article also outlines change in circumstances notification requirements under Section 167, including the 14-day notification window to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Six practical priorities are set out for boards, covering registers, governance embedding, annual reviews, notification procedures, reporting delegation and enforcement response planning.
Written for governing bodies, executives and compliance teams meeting obligations under the Aged Care Act, Aged Care Rules and Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission guidance, this resource translates Suitability Matters into clear governance action for boards.
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