Aged Care Providers – New Single Assessment System Now in Effect

  • Aged Care Providers
  • Provider Alert
Date of Change:
09 December 2024
Takes Effect:
09 December 2024

What’s Happened? 

On 9 December 2024, the new Single Assessment System workforce was introduced, replacing the Regional Assessment Service (RAS), Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs), and independent Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) assessors. 

The system provides a single pathway for all aged care needs assessments, covering: 

  • Home support assessments for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). 
  • Comprehensive assessments for Home Care Packages, flexible aged care programs, residential respite, and entry into residential aged care. 
  • Triage Delegates now ensure assessments are tailored to an older person’s level of need, reducing over-assessments and improving access for those with complex needs. 

       

      Key improvements include: 

             

            Why is this Important? 

            • This change addresses Recommendation 28 of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, simplifying the assessment process for older Australians and their families. 
            • Providers should familiarise themselves with the list of approved providers to ensure smooth transitions for clients and compliance with the updated referral and assessment processes. The system is designed to be flexible, supporting individuals as their needs evolve, without requiring a change in assessment provider. 
            • Additionally, please note that the First Nations assessment organisations will be rolled out from 1 July 2025, providing culturally safe pathways for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to access aged care services. 

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