Important changes are being made to the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) to ensure the protection and safety of older Australians in residential aged care.
From 3 October 2022, residential aged care providers must report occurrences of unlawful sexual contact or inappropriate sexual conduct as a Priority 1 reportable incident under the SIRS. This means that these types of incidents must be reported within 24 hours of the provider becoming aware of the incident.
This requirement has been formalised in the Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Reportable Incidents) Instrument 2022 (available at www.legislation.gov.au).
The instrument amends the Quality of Care Principles 2014 to change unlawful sexual contact or inappropriate sexual conduct from a Priority 2 reportable incident to a Priority 1 reportable incident.
This change will further strengthen safeguards for residents and follows stakeholder feedback and consultation with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
More information on the SIRS is available on the Department of Health and Aged Care website here, and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission webpage here.
Questions can be directed to sirs@health.gov.au.
