Aged Care Rules 2025
made under the
Aged Care Act 2024
Compilation No. 9
Compilation date: 18 July 2026
Includes amendments: F2026L00982
This compilation is in 2 volumes
Volume 1: | Chapters 1 to 5 |
| sections 1‑5 to 177‑20 |
Volume 2: | Chapters 6 to 15 |
| sections 187‑1 to 610-1B |
| Endnotes |
Each volume has its own contents
About this compilation
This compilation
This is a compilation of the Aged Care Rules 2025 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 18 July 2026 (the compilation date).
The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.
Uncommenced amendments
The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au).
Application, saving and transitional provisions
If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.
Editorial changes
For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.
Presentational changes
The Legislation Act 2003 provides for First Parliamentary Counsel to make presentational changes to a compilation. Presentational changes are applied to give a more consistent look and feel to legislation published on the Register, and enable the user to more easily navigate those documents.
Modifications
If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. Any modifications affecting the law are accessible on the Register.
Self‑repealing provisions
If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.
Contents
Chapter 1—Introduction
Part 1—Preliminary
1‑5 Name
3‑5 Authority
4‑5 Simplified outline of this instrument
Part 2—Definitions
Division 1—Definitions—general
5‑5 Definitions
6‑5 References to actions taken or statements given
6‑15 Nominating restrictive practices nominees
6‑20 Meaning of restrictive practices substitute decision‑maker
Division 2—Matters prescribed for definitions in section 7 of the Act
7‑1 Accommodation bond
7‑2 Accommodation bond balance
7‑3 Accommodation charge
7‑8 Approved needs assessors
7‑11 Cost
7‑12 Direct care
7‑13 Entry contribution
7‑14 Entry contribution balance
7‑17 Entry day
7‑19 Homeowner
7‑20 Lifetime cap
7‑21 Price charged
7‑22 Serious injury or illness
7‑23 Service delivery branch
Part 3—Aged care service list
Division 1—Preliminary
8
Overview
The Aged Care Act 2024 was enacted by the Australian Parliament to address the gaps and deficiencies in the existing framework for the delivery of aged care services. The Act aimed to establish a comprehensive and integrated system for providing aged care services, ensuring the safety, quality, and dignity of care for older Australians. The Aged Care Rules 2025, made under this Act, provide detailed operational guidelines and regulatory requirements for aged care providers, ensuring that the standards and practices set out in the Act are effectively implemented. The policy objective behind these rules is to enhance the quality of care, improve the accountability and transparency of providers, and protect the rights and wellbeing of individuals accessing aged care services.
Scope and Application
The Aged Care Rules 2025 made under the Aged Care Act 2024 apply to the Commonwealth of Australia, establishing the framework for the delivery of funded aged care services within the country. These rules govern various aspects of the aged care sector, including the conduct of registered providers, their staff, and the quality of services provided to individuals. The Act sets out requirements for the Aged Care Code of Conduct, quality standards, and operational guidelines for registered providers. These include obligations for ensuring that aged care services are delivered in a manner that respects individuals' rights, maintains their dignity, and provides high-quality care. The rules also establish specific conditions for the registration and renewal of providers, as well as the approval and management of residential care homes. Additionally, they detail the responsibilities of registered providers, responsible persons, and aged care workers, including mandatory reporting and record-keeping requirements. The Aged Care Rules 2025 include provisions for the management of incidents and complaints, and the use of restrictive practices in residential care homes, ensuring that such practices are only used when necessary and in accordance with strict guidelines. Furthermore, the rules cover financial and prudential requirements, including the maintenance of financial reports and records, and the reporting of financial contributions and subsidies. Exemptions and exclusions are outlined for certain specialist aged care programs, ensuring that the rules are tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of these programs. The scope of the Act is extended through subordinate instruments, which provide detailed guidelines and specifications for various aspects of the aged care system.
Key Provisions
- The Aged Care Rules 2025, made under the Aged Care Act 2024, encompass a comprehensive framework for the delivery of aged care services in Australia. The Rules are divided into several chapters and sections, each detailing specific requirements, obligations, and standards to ensure the provision of high-quality care. Chapter 1 introduces the purpose and scope of the Rules, while Chapter 2 outlines the key concepts and definitions necessary for the interpretation and application of the legislation. Chapter 3 to Chapter 15 detail the various aspects of aged care service delivery, including the list of aged care services, provider registration, quality standards, and the management of reportable incidents and restrictive practices.
- The Rules impose several obligations on aged care providers and responsible persons. For instance, providers must comply with the Aged Care Code of Conduct, ensuring that they act with integrity, respect, and professionalism when delivering care (Part 5). They must also adhere to the Aged Care Quality Standards, which set out the minimum standards for the provision of safe, high-quality care across various service types (Part 6). Additionally, providers are required to maintain certain records, such as those relating to service delivery, financial transactions, and workforce management (Part 7). Furthermore, they must implement and maintain effective systems for managing incidents and restrictive practices, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals receiving care (Part 7).
- Breaches of the Rules can result in significant consequences for providers and responsible persons. The Aged Care Act 2024 provides for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Civil penalties may include fines, with the maximum penalty varying depending on the nature and severity of the breach. For example, for serious breaches that result in harm to individuals, the maximum penalty can be substantial (section 142). Criminal penalties may also be imposed for breaches that involve intentional or reckless conduct, with potential imprisonment for directors or responsible persons of the providers (section 143). Furthermore, failure to comply with the Rules can lead to the suspension or revocation of a provider’s registration, effectively barring them from delivering aged care services (section 144).
- The Rules also detail specific obligations for registered providers, responsible persons, and aged care workers. For example, registered providers must notify the Commissioner of certain changes in circumstances, such as changes to their suitability to deliver care, changes to their organisation arrangements, and changes relating to financial and prudential matters (Part 3). They must also ensure that aged care workers are appropriately screened and vaccinated, and that they adhere to infection control protocols (Part 6). Additionally, providers must allow and facilitate access by the Pricing Authority to certain persons and locations for the purpose of conducting Pricing Authority advice activities (Part 7). Failure to comply with these obligations can result in enforcement actions, including fines and other sanctions.
- Overall, the Aged Care Rules 2025 establish a robust regulatory framework to ensure the safety, quality, and integrity of aged care services in Australia. By imposing clear obligations and standards on providers and responsible persons, the Rules aim to protect the rights and well-being of older Australians receiving care, while also promoting accountability and transparency in the aged care sector.
- Area of Law
- Elder Law
- Administrative Law
- Instrument
- Regulations
- Concepts
- Definitions & Interpretation
- Provider Registration
- Quality Standards
- Incident Management
- Whistleblower Protections