Aged care homes will need to staff a registered nurse 24/7 after legislation passed both houses of parliament.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Albanese government's amendment to aged care laws require a qualified and registered nurse on-site in every residential home at all times.
The bill, which passed the Senate on Thursday, also introduces measures to monitor the costs associated with aged care, specifically administration fees, and place greater responsibility on providers to be transparent and fair by publishing information on service quality.
The amendments were recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, and delivers on a Labor election promise.
Aged Care Minister Anika Wells said the changes returned security, dignity, quality and humanity to the sector.
"This legislation demonstrates our commitment to making public what aged care providers are spending their money on, ensuring a fair and transparent system for our older Australians, their families and carers," she said.
"This will be supported by the initiatives we have in place to grow the workforce and boost the skills of aged care nurses."
Opposition aged care spokeswoman Anne Ruston described the bill as "rushed" but said the coalition would not stand in the way of reform as it was "absolutely committed" to ensuring people were provided with the care they deserved.
"You need to listen to the voices of older Australians," Senator Ruston said.
Government modelling shows an extra 869 registered nurses were needed to meet the new requirement of around-the-clock care.
Residents in aged care facilities will receive an average of 200 care minutes, including 40 nursing minutes, each day by October 2023.
Australian Associated Press
