The Australian Government today passed legislation requiring aged care homes to have around-the-clock nursing care, a key election commitment.

The Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Implementing Care Reform) Bill 2022 delivers on the Government’s commitment to have 24/7 access to a registered nurse in residential aged care services.

This Bill will help older Australians living in residential aged care receive immediate clinical attention when needed. It will mean fewer unnecessary trips to hospital, leading to better care outcomes.

It also includes measures to make sure public dollars are being spent on care with the publication of regular financial and operational reporting from approved providers.

This will include how much is spent on care, nursing, food, maintenance, cleaning, administration, and profits.

These changes will provide older Australians, their families and carers with practical information to help make more informed aged care decisions.

The legislation also bans exit fees and enables the capping of administration and management charges in the Home Care Packages Program.

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Delivering on Labor’s commitment to put nurses back into nursing homes 24/7