Australian Commission Safety and Quality in Health Care Newsletter - August 21, 2026
27th August 2026
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21 August 2026
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New standards |
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Pathology Standards The Commission has released the National Pathology Standards (first edition, 2027) (NPS), which will come into effect as the Tier 2 requirements in July 2027. The NPS will replace eight existing requirements including the Requirements for Medical Pathology Services. The Requirements for Information Communication and Reporting (sixth edition, 2026) replaced the fifth edition on 15 July 2026. The update responds to advances in laboratory information systems, interoperability, and new legislative requirements, particularly the introduction of mandatory ‘share by default’ uploading to My Health Record from 1 July. The Requirements for the Development and Use of In-house In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices (sixth edition, 2026) introduces specific new requirements for in-house IVD software, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) enabled software. The amendment is scheduled to come into force in July 2027.
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Standards in development |
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Virtual Care Standards The Commission is developing national safety and quality standards for virtual care with the support of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. The virtual care standards will establish clear, consistent expectations for high-quality care delivered virtually, whether through hospitals, primary and community healthcare, or commercial providers. Read our media release. Medical Imaging StandardsThe Commission is working with health economists on a cost benefit analysis for the draft National Medical Imaging Standards. The Standards provide a safety and quality framework for medical imaging providers, and support continuous improvement, regardless of where consumers seek care. The final version of the National Medical Imaging Standards is due for release in January 2027. There will be a 12-month transition period before implementation in January 2028.
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Public consultations |
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NSQHS Standards (third edition) draft The initial draft of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards (third edition) was released for public consultation on 20 July. The Standards reflect feedback received during consultation in 2025 and respond to current and emerging priorities across the health system. The NSQHS Standards (third edition) recognise clinical research as a core component of modern healthcare delivery. The National Clinical Trials Governance Framework (NCTGF) has been embedded in this draft and expanded through the concepts of ‘clinical research’ and ‘research-enabled care’. Provide feedback on the initial draft third edition via a survey, written submission or forum. Access the draft NSQHS Standards, the Rationale for Change and consultation tools on the Third Edition Engagement Hub. Assisted Reproductive Technology StandardsReform is underway to help assisted reproductive technology (ART) services to be safer and more transparent in Australia. We are developing an independent national accreditation scheme for ART services to be assessed against updated National Safety and Quality Standards. Broad public consultation on the draft ART Standards opened on 10 August and will be piloted from early 2027. Ensure your voice is heard – get involved in our consultation and subscribe for updates. Standards for First Nations Cultural Safety reviewThe Standards for First Nations Cultural Safety are focused on strengthening cultural safety and addressing racism in hospital systems. This includes how health leaders are accountable for embedding and monitoring cultural safety across systems to improve First Nations health outcomes. The Review will inform the development of options for standards for cultural safety. We are gathering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, lived experience and expertise to strengthen cultural safety and address systemic racism in hospitals. Thank you to those who provided expressions of interest in July, to help inform options for standards for cultural safety and progressive drafts of the NSQHS Standards (third edition).
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Advisories and fact sheets |
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Healthcare Sustainability and Resilience Module The Healthcare Sustainability and Resilience Module Self-assessment Tool supports service providers to assess their current strategies against the Healthcare Sustainability and Resilience Module and track the progress of implementation for each action. The new tool can also support assessors as part of the assessment process. Mental Health Standards for Community Managed OrganisationsNew resources will support health service providers to implement the National Safety and Quality Mental Health Standards for Community Managed Organisations. The fact sheets can also be used by assessors during an assessment to evaluate the safety and quality systems. They include: · Using a risk management approach for Mental Health Standards · Mental Health Standards assessment framework · Using PICMoRS for quality improvement and assessment preparation for the Mental Health Standards NSQHS Standards (second edition)A new Risk screening and assessment fact sheet for health services aims to reduce common low-value practice, such as completing screening without acting on results, carrying forward previous risk scores without reassessment, or not involving patients, families or carers in the process. This new resource supersedes the guidance outlined in the previous advisory AS18/14: Comprehensive Care Standard: Screening and assessment for risk of harm.
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New and updated resources |
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Credentialing and defining scope of practice Updated national guidance on Credentialing and defining scope of practice supports safe high-quality care for patients. It outlines high-level principles and guidance for health services and clinicians on the process of credentialing to support the NSQHS Standards Clinical Governance Standard and the National Model for Clinical Governance. Learn more in our fact sheet and frequently asked questions. National Model for Clinical GovernanceThe 2026 National Model for Clinical Governance provides new guidance on clinical governance to help health services strive for consistently high-quality care. The national model is a principles-based document organised around six foundations of clinical governance. Health services can use the model to review and refine their own systems to meet the needs of their organisation. Read our practical implementation guide and frequently asked questions. Paediatric end-of-life care guidanceThe updated National Consensus Statement: Essential elements for safe and high-quality paediatric end-of-life care describes how end-of-life care for a child should be approached and delivered effectively across healthcare settings. This second edition updates national guidance first published in 2016. Open Disclosure FrameworkThe revised Australian Open Disclosure Framework sets out a nationally consistent approach to open disclosure for healthcare professionals, supporting clear, timely and compassionate communication with patients when things do not go to plan. Our new fact sheet and video for clinicians provide practical guidance on when and how to conduct open disclosure.
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More information |