National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Healthcare Standards

The Primary and Community Healthcare Standards were developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) and were formally launched on 12 October 2021. Assessment to the standards commenced on 1 May 2023.

The Primary and Community Healthcare Standards apply to services that deliver health care in a primary and/or community setting. These services address the prevention, treatment and management of illness and injury, and the preservation of physical and mental wellbeing.

Accreditation to the Primary and Community Healthcare Standards is voluntary.  Service providers may choose to seek accreditation for a number of reasons including quality assurance for consumers and funding bodies, to support grant and tender applications, and to gain a competitive advantage.

There are four models of assessment to choose from ranging from full desktop to onsite assessments. Further information on the models of assessment can be found on the Commission’s website – Model of Assessment.

In most instances, service providers can choose the model of assessment. However, if the accreditation is required as part of regulations, or to meet tender or contractual obligations, you should check with your funder which type of assessment you require.

Regardless of the model chosen, each assessment will begin with the service provider completing a self-assessment to ensure the appropriate policy, procedures and processes have been implemented.

If you would like more information on HDAA’s process for assessment to the Primary and Community Healthcare Standards, or a proposal to engage HDAA to performa your assessment, please send us an email.

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