Accreditation and Regulatory Audit Management Policy Template

Defines how the facility prepares for, manages during, and responds after ACQSC site audits and performance assessments, including documentation readiness, staff briefings, and corrective action planning.

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Accreditation and Regulatory Audit Management Policy Template

Be audit-ready at all times with a structured governance policy covering ACQSC assessment preparation, conduct, and post-audit response.

Overview

ACQSC site audits — whether announced or unannounced — assess a provider's performance against all eight Aged Care Quality Standards. Facilities that manage audits reactively, rather than having documented governance in place, are consistently less successful in demonstrating compliance. This policy template establishes year-round audit readiness practices, a structured audit conduct framework, and a systematic corrective action response process.

What This Policy Covers

Roles and responsibilities for audit management
Continuous audit readiness practices (self-assessment, mock audits)
Evidence library maintenance and documentation readiness
Announced audit preparation process
Unannounced audit response protocol
Staff briefing and key contact designation during audit
Resident and family interview preparation (rights-based)
Non-compliance finding response and corrective action planning
Requirement for Improvement (RFI) management process
Post-audit review and continuous improvement cycle

Compliance Alignment

Aged Care Act 1997 – Approved Provider obligations
Aged Care Quality Standards 1–8
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018
Aged Care Quality Standard 8 – Organisational Governance
ACQSC Assessment Framework and Guidance

Why This Policy Matters

Providers who lack a documented audit management policy frequently demonstrate disorganised evidence presentation, inconsistent staff responses, and incomplete corrective action. These are all indicators ACQSC assessors use to judge governance maturity. A systematic audit management policy transforms reactive compliance into proactive governance — the highest-scoring profile in ACQSC assessments.

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Workplace Bullying and Harassment Policy

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Volunteer Management Policy

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Performance Management Policy

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Pets and Companion Animals Policy

This policy sets out how Australian aged care providers manage resident access to pets and companion animals, covering resident-owned animals, visiting animals, and pet therapy programs. Providers need it to meet their obligations under the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards and to support resident wellbeing while managing infection control and safety risks.

Family and Carer Engagement Policy

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Sexuality and Intimacy Policy

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Sensory Aids and Communication Support Policy

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Sleep and Rest Policy

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Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy (Residents)

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Business Continuity Policy

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Cultural Diversity Inclusion Policy

Access a free, editable Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Policy template designed to help aged care providers meet the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. This resource provides a comprehensive framework for delivering culturally safe care, covering assessment procedures, staff training, and inclusive care planning.

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