Registered nurse on duty 24/7 in residential aged care
Residential aged care providers must have a registered nurse on duty 24 hours a day.
Who must comply
Approved residential aged care providers.
What triggers it
Operating a residential aged care service.
When due
Continuous from 1 July 2023.
Evidence required
Rostering records, RN credentialing, exemption documentation if applicable.
Max penalty
Civil penalties; sanctions including imposition of conditions
Summary
Section 54-1AA of the Aged Care Act (from 1 July 2023, continued under the Aged Care Act 2024) requires residential aged care providers to have at least one registered nurse on duty and on site at all times. Limited exemptions for facilities with fewer than 30 beds in regional/remote areas. Care minutes targets also apply.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Industries
Topics
Related obligations
- CWLTHComply with Aged Care Quality Standards (Aged Care Act 2024)From 1 November 2025, providers must comply with the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.
- CWLTHComply with Serious Incident Response Scheme (aged care)Residential and home-care providers must notify Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission of priority 1 incidents within 24 hours.
- CWLTHComply with Aged Care Code of ConductAll providers + workers must comply with the federal Aged Care Code of Conduct.
- CWLTHComply with restrictive practices rules + behaviour support plansUse of restrictive practices in aged care must be a last resort and meet strict conditions.
- CWLTHKey personnel obligations under Aged Care Act 2024Aged care key personnel — board + senior — owe statutory duties + face personal sanctions.
- CWLTHAN-ACC funding classification compliance (residential)Residential aged care funding driven by AN-ACC classification of each resident.
Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with Registered nurse on duty 24/7 in residential aged care?
- Approved residential aged care providers.
- What triggers Registered nurse on duty 24/7 in residential aged care?
- Operating a residential aged care service.
- When is Registered nurse on duty 24/7 in residential aged care due?
- Continuous from 1 July 2023.
- What is the maximum penalty for Registered nurse on duty 24/7 in residential aged care?
- Civil penalties; sanctions including imposition of conditions
- What evidence is required for Registered nurse on duty 24/7 in residential aged care?
- Rostering records, RN credentialing, exemption documentation if applicable.
Source: https://health.gov.au/our-work/registered-nurses-in-residential-aged-care-247. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.