Comply 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.
Who must comply
Approved aged care providers (residential and home care).
What triggers it
Occurrence of a reportable incident.
When due
Priority 1 within 24 hours; follow-up within 5 business days.
Evidence required
Notification via My Aged Care portal, incident investigation, control review.
Max penalty
Civil penalties for non-notification; sanctions; loss of approved provider status
Summary
Sections 53-1A onwards of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act and Quality of Care Principles establish SIRS. Eight incident types (e.g. unreasonable use of force, sexual assault, neglect, missing consumer, psychological abuse). Priority 1 notifications within 24 hours, follow-up reports within 5 business days. Home care SIRS commenced 1 December 2022.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Industries
Topics
Related obligations
- CWLTHReport cyber security incidents to ASD (SOCI)Critical infrastructure asset operators must report critical incidents within 12 hours and other incidents within 72 hours.
- CWLTHComply with Aged Care Quality Standards (Aged Care Act 2024)From 1 November 2025, providers must comply with the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.
- CWLTHReport serious NDIS incidents to the NDIS CommissionDeath, serious injury, abuse, neglect, unauthorised restrictive practices, and sexual misconduct must be notified.
- CWLTHRegistered nurse on duty 24/7 in residential aged careResidential aged care providers must have a registered nurse on duty 24 hours a day.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with Serious Incident Response Scheme (aged care)?
- Approved aged care providers (residential and home care).
- What triggers Serious Incident Response Scheme (aged care)?
- Occurrence of a reportable incident.
- When is Serious Incident Response Scheme (aged care) due?
- Priority 1 within 24 hours; follow-up within 5 business days.
- What is the maximum penalty for Serious Incident Response Scheme (aged care)?
- Civil penalties for non-notification; sanctions; loss of approved provider status
- What evidence is required for Serious Incident Response Scheme (aged care)?
- Notification via My Aged Care portal, incident investigation, control review.
Source: https://agedcarequality.gov.au/providers/serious-incident-response-scheme. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.