The Morrison Government has moved to significantly strengthen the regulations that apply to the use of physical and chemical restraints in aged care homes.

In January this year, I said we would strengthen regulations because we will not tolerate the use of physical and chemical restraints. Restraint must only be used as a last resort.

The regulatory changes I intend to sign into law next week set out specific provider responsibilities in relation to the use of physical and chemical restraint in aged care homes to apply from 1 July 2019.

We have moved quickly, working with a group of key stakeholders to inform a regulatory approach to minimise the inappropriate use of restraints, treating chemical and physical restraints as separate issues.

Read more:

Stronger Restraint Regulations to Protect Senior Australians (.pdf)