Response 261098163

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Submission upload

Please choose one of the following options:

Please select one item
(Required)
I would like to upload a written submission and DO NOT want to complete the online consultation questions
I would like to upload a written submission AND complete the online consultation questions
I do not want to upload a written submission

Assessments of criminal history

1. What is your preferred approach to aged care worker criminal history assessments?

Please select one item
Option A1 - Providers continue to assess criminal history for workers in line with aged care legislation, funding agreements and guidance
Option A2 - Centralised assessment of criminal history for workers (based on NDIS model)
Provide reasons for your preferred approach (optional)
Allows regulation by provider

Assessment of information other than criminal history

3. If there were to be a centralised assessment of criminal history, should any other matters be routinely taken into account? If so, which of the following options should be considered?

Please select all that apply
Option B1 – Information from disciplinary bodies such as health complaints bodies, the NDIS Commission and National Boards
Option B2 – Information from relevant government agencies
Option B3 – Information from courts and tribunals
Option B4 – Information from employers
Provide reasons for your selection/s (optional)
Currently they can move through industry without tracking

4. Are there any other matters that should/should not be considered as part of any aged care worker screening scheme?

Provide your answer below
Place & country of gaining qualifications

Code of Conduct

5. What is your preferred approach to a code of conduct?

Please select one item
Option C1 – Retain existing arrangements requiring providers to ensure the conduct of aged care workers is in line with the Aged Care Quality Standards and Charter of Aged Care Rights (status quo)
Option C2 – Adopt the NDIS Code of Conduct for aged care workers
Option C3 – Develop a new code of conduct specific to aged care workers

6. What do you consider are the advantages and disadvantages of introducing a code of conduct for aged care workers?

Provide your answer below
Regulation and standards

Proficiency in English

7. What is your preferred approach to strengthening English proficiency in aged care?

Please select one item
Option D1 – Require providers to be satisfied that PCWs have the necessary English proficiency to effectively perform their role (extension of the status quo with improved guidance as to the expected thresholds for proficiency)
Option D2 – Establish a requirement for PCWs to demonstrate their proficiency in English as part of a registration process (consistent with the National Scheme)
Provide reasons for your selection (optional)
Biggest problem they can’t speak English and can’t read or understand English

Minimum qualifications

9. What is your preferred approach to minimum qualifications?

Please select one item
Option E1 – Providers must ensure that PCWs are competent and have the qualifications and knowledge to effectively perform their role (status quo)
Option E2 – Require providers to be satisfied that PCWs have certain minimum qualifications or competencies
Option E3 – Establish a requirement for PCWs to demonstrate their qualifications as part of a registration process (consistent with the National Scheme)

Continuing professional development

11. What is your preferred approach to continuing professional development?

Please select one item
Option F1 – Retain existing arrangements whereby providers must ensure that PCWs are recruited, trained, equipped and supported to deliver the outcomes required by the Aged Care Quality Standards (status quo)
Option F2 – Require providers to be satisfied that PCWs meet specified minimum CPD requirements
Option F3 – Establish a requirement for PCWs to demonstrate they have met specified minimum CPD requirements as part of a registration process (consistent with the National Scheme)

Positive register and/or list of excluded workers

13. How should the register of workers be presented?

Please select one item
Option G1 – A list of workers who have been cleared to work in aged care (positive list)
Option G2 – A list of workers who have been excluded from working in aged care (negative list)
Option G3 – A list of workers who have been cleared to work in aged care and a list of workers who are excluded from working in aged care

Identifying the appropriate regulatory body

14. What are the advantages and disadvantages of different bodies managing screening of all aged care workers and/or registration of PCWs?

Provide your answer below
AHPRA should as they currently manage other workers

Intersection with other like schemes

15. In principle, should a person cleared to work with people with a disability be automatically cleared to work in aged care?

Please select one item
Yes
No

17. What are the relevant considerations regarding the interplay between Ahpra (and any other professional registrations) and PCW registration for aged care?

Provide your answer below
AHPRA should be the body to manage the register