Recent changes by DHS to governance standards option
15th Feb 2013
The DHS has recently confirmed that additional standards can be considered for addressing the Governance requirements of the DHSS assessment.
The selection of standards are now:
- Disability Employment and Enterprise Standards (Standards 8 & 11 only) - [DEES]; or
- National Safety and Quality in Health Service Standards (Standards 1 & 2 only) - [NSQHSS]; or
- ISO 9001:2008 (full Certification to ISO)
The effect of this is that, in working with HDAA you are able to choose anyone of the above standards.
In selecting either DEES or NSQHSS there is no annual assessment. After initial certification there will be only one mid-term assessment in the 3-year certification timeframe; i.e., a maintenance assessment at 18 months.
In selecting ISO 9001:2008 there is an annual maintenance assessment i.e. after initial certification there is a maintenance assessment at 12 months and a second maintenance at 24 months.
The introduction of DSS or NSQHSS means that there an opportunity to choose a standard that is potentially more aligned with your organisation operations and there is the opportunity to "bundle" your assessments e.g., services that also deliver employment services could undertake DEES and DHSS together and will not need to integrate the requirements of other Standards.
Please contact Suzanne on 1800 601 696 or by email to suzanne.lehuray@hdaau.com.au for further detail and how this choice can be of benefit to your service.
Accreditation for National Safety and Quality In Health Care Standards
05th Dec 2012
As an approve Accreditation Agency for the National Safety and Quality In Health Care Standards we are pleased to share with you the NSQHS Standards Monitoring Tool for Hospitals, developed and provided by The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission).
This Monitoring tool is another in the series of resources developed by the Commission to assist with the implementation of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards.
The tool is in the form of an excel spreadsheet that allows you to track your organisation's progress in implementing each Standard. It can be used together with the Hospital Accreditation Workbook, October 2012 and each of the 10 Safety and Quality Improvement Guides to prepare for accreditation.
The NSQHS Standards Monitoring Tool for Hospitals is now available in both Excel 2003 and Excel 2007 version on the Commission's website.
This is Version 1 of the monitoring tool. The Commision welcome your comments and suggestions for improvement of the tool via email at accreditation@safetyandquality.gov.au. A review of comments on the tool will occur in June 2013.
Please contact the Commision's Advice Line on 1800 304 056 if you would like to discuss the use of the tool or other matters related to the implementation of the NSQHS Standards.
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care are acknowledge and thanked for the provision of text, attachments and content of this article.
New Human Services Scheme procedure released
12th Nov 2012
The new "Human Services Scheme" procedure is now being released by Jas-ANZ. The new procedure is split into five parts and three of these parts have been published as shown;
Part 1 - Common requirements for bodies certifying Human Services (released 1 November 2012).
Part 2 - Additional requirement for bodies certifying Human Service Quality Framework procedure (HSQF Queensland - not yet released).
Part 3 - Additional requirement for bodies certifying Disability Employment and Enterprise Services (DSS - released 1 November 2012).
Part 4 - Additional requirement for bodies certifying Department of Human Services Standards (DHSS Victoria - not yet released).
Part 5 - Additional requirement for bodies certifying Western Australia National Alcohol and Drug Agencies (WANADA - released 7 November 2012).
The Common requirements in Part 1 detail the processes and considerations Assessment Bodies must adhere to in the delivery of assessments to any of the subsequent quality programs in the Human Services Scheme (HS Scheme).
Assessment Bodies are required to be certified to ISO/IEC 17065:2011 to participate in the HS Scheme.
Service providers will be provided with the information relevant to their assessment and the appropriate scheme by the Assessment Bodies. In addition each part of the procedure can be down loaded from the Jas-ANZ website as the individual Parts are published.
NDS Confrence 2012
28th Sep 2012
NDS Confrence for 2012 is entitled Communities of Practice and is being held on the 15 & 16 October at the Sofitel in Brisbane.
This year's Community of Practice Conference aims at driving innovative and collaborative practices within the field of disability services. The focus is on current key issues for the sector: National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Social Innovation and Social Enterprise. The NDS Communities of Practice Conference is widely recognised as a reliable source of timely and important information for the disability sector and its stakeholders.
Follow this link to the NDS website for a full program and to register.
Acknowledgment for content of this News item is given in full to NDS.
Approved IRB for the DHSS
09th Aug 2012
HDAA is approved by The Department of Human Services as an independent review body for the independent assessment and certification of organisations to the new Department of Human Services Standards (DHSS).
We have delivered assessment services to organisations in Victoria for a number of years now and we are committed to doing what we can to improve organisations and working with you in a way that is supportive and truly developmental. With the introduction of the new DHSS standards we will continue to do this.
The Human Services Victoria page of the HDAA website is where you can access and download a range of information about the DHSS and independent review. Included in the information is the following:
- An Information Book titled Quality Assurance Information for Human Services Organisations in Victoria. This booklet describes what is involved and how we will work to assist you through the audit process.
- Information on the DHSS Standards and the guide which describes the requirements for each standard.
- Tools that map the SDSV and HASS to the DHSS and show where the similarities are.
- Information on our experience as an independent review body and a description of our approach.
EXPO - Department of Human Services, Victoria
01st Jul 2012
The HDAA team looks forward to meeting you at the Department of Human Services EXPO on 9 July in Melbourne.
The Department of Human Services is hosting an "EXPO" of Certification Bodies, or Independent Review Bodies, who will be providing audit services to the new Department of Human Service Standards.
Where: Room 1:10, 50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne.
When: Monday 9 July 2012, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Who should attend: Senior Manager, Quality Managers and Quality Committees,
We look forward to talking with you about your individual needs and how HDAA's supportive audit services will provide a developmental experience to assist strengthen your organisation.
IAF Global Survey
30th May 2012
The IAF global survey shows that Accredited certification delivers real added value to organisations.
The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) is the global association of Accreditation Bodies, Certification Body Associations and other organisationsinvolved in conformity assessment activitiesin a variety of fieldsincluding managementsystems,products, services and personnel. The main objectives of IAF are:
- to develop appropriate harmonisation of conformity assessment best practice.
- to maintain and develop a Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) between its Accreditation Body Members to ensure recognition of accredited certification between signatories.
- to act as a global forum to bring together accreditation bodies and stakeholder groups to facilitate global trade.
- to promote accredited conformity assessment by working with, and influencing, key international organisations and industry groups.
In 2010/11, IAF carried out a global survey to capture market feedback on the value of certification. The survey aimed to gain intelligence on the drivers for seeking certification, the selection criteria when choosing a body to provide certification services, the appropriateness of the process, and the positive outcomes of certification. The results are now published.
Thinking Strategically
26th Mar 2012
In October 2010 The Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK released the booklet "Thinking Strategically".
The booklet has been published so as to share the Colleges work in developing strategic thinkers for all range of environments and across interwoven and complex organisations and situations in today's world.
The Collage states that "Above all, as its title describes, this booklet is designed to stimulate how to think strategically as opposed to rehearsing what to think; and to inspire further debate, reading and research into strategy-making."
Thinking Strategically by the Royal College of Defence Studies can be downloaded as a pdf here.
Approved Accreditor for the National Safety & Quality in Health Services Standards
21st Feb 2012
HDAA has been awarded Interim Approval as an Accreditor for The National Safety & Quality in Health Services Standards (NSQHSS) by the Australian Commission on Safety & Quality in Health Care.
The NSQHSS address the following areas:
- Governance for Safety and Quality in Health Service Organisations
- Partnering with Consumers
- Preventing and Controlling Healthcare Associated Infections
- Medication Safety
- Patient Identification and Procedure Matching
- Clinical Handover
- Blood and Blood Products
- Preventing and Managing Pressure Injuries
- Recognising and Responding to Clinical Deterioration in Acute Health Care
- Preventing Falls and Harm from Falls
Acknowledgment for this information is given to the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) (2011), National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards, ACSQHC, Sydney.
Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Deadline
22nd Jan 2012
Accreditation expires on 30 June 2012 for all practices that achieved Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation any time prior to July 2010.
If your accreditation expires you practices will not be able to claim Medicare funding for Diagnostic Imaging Services. Your practice must now compile and submit evidence to apply for Full Suite Accreditation.
The Full Suite of DIA Standards is more comprehensive than Stage 1 or Entry Level DIA. HDAA strongly advises practices to review the Full Suite of DIA Standards on the HDAA website and access the Department of Health and Ageing's "User Guide for Practices Applying for Accreditation".
The User Guide provides you with details of the Standards, checklists, sample documents and templates. The User Guide can be accessed from the DIA home page on the HDAA website
Full Suite applications should be submitted for audit to HDAA by May 2012.
Twenty-Mile March – Organisational “Continuous Improvement”
10th Dec 2011
HDAA has started a library of books that are truly well worth the read. One that came through the mail last week was a book by Collins and Hansen called "Great by Choice". It offers insight into a way of thinking about continuous improvement - the following and attached pdf is an extract adapted from Fortune magazine.
Twenty-Mile March - Organisational "Continuous Improvement"
With the changes that are on us now and with more coming like the National Disability Insurance Scheme, health care changes and so on the words of Jim Collins and Morten Hansen may be of interest.
How do some companies survive and prosper when others faced with the same conditions fail or at best stagnate? Jim Collins shares his thoughts in this article that was originally published by Fortune in October this year.
Perhaps the most influential management thinker alive, Jim Collins addressed the reasons companies succeed and fail in bestselling books like "Good to Great" and "Built to Last". In their new book, Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos and Luck -- Why Some Thrive Despite Them All, Collins and co-author Morten T. Hansen studied leadership in turbulent times, a topic they chose in 2002 that could not be more relevant today.
Down load a pdf here to read a review of "Great by Choice" adapted Ocotber 17, 2011 issue of Fortune
National Safety & Quality In Health Service Standards
06th Nov 2011
In September 2011 the Health Ministers endorsed the NS&QHS. Now the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care is now seeking comment on draft guides and resources that have been prepared to support health services better understand what is required to meet the NSQHS Standards.
The aim of the NSQHS Standards is to improve the safety and quality of care for patients and provide a clear statement about the level of care consumers can expect from health services including Hospitals Day Procedures Services and Dental Practices.
To view the proposed resources and information on how to make a submission please go to the Commission's website prior to COB Thursday 15 December 2011.
The Commission will also run a pilot study of the guides with a number of health services who will be required to undertake a self-assessment using the NSQHS Standards. The services will then give feedback to the Commission about the content and format of the guides.
For more information about making a submissions please contact the Commission either by email to or call (02) 9126 3600.
Equal Opportunity Act becomes effective
26th Sep 2011
The Equal Opportunity Act 2010 became effective in Victoria on 1 August 2011. This act is for organisations employing staff in any capacity and volunteers. Organisations are to be compliant with the Act which includes having policy, procedures and practice fully incorporated to the Quality Management system.
The new Victorian Government made a few amendments which include:
* introduction of the positive duty;
* disability
* direct and indirect discrimination;
* assistance dogs;
* clubs;
* reasonable adjustments;
* volunteers included for sexual harassment in employment; and,
* exceptions for religious bodies and religious schools.
For more information please go to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commision website.
There are also tool kits for organisations provided by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commision which includes policy drafts that can be utilised.
Australian Disability Enterprises Excellence Awards 2011
31st Jul 2011
The Australian Disability Enterprises Excellence Awards recognize, encourage and promote the significant contribution that Australian Disability Enterprises make in improving the lives of people with disability. The Awards also provide an opportunity to recognize the dual focus of Australian Disability Enterprises as viable businesses providing high quality employment to people with disability.
The Australian Disability Enterprises Excellence Awards are for Australian Disability Enterprises demonstrating new and innovative practices supportive of the development of high quality and sustainable employment, whilst providing premium employment conditions to their employees with disability. The Awards will acknowledge organisations that provide best practice and innovative training opportunities, achieve strong wage outcomes, provide safe working conditions, social inclusion and participation for the employees and quality of service to people with disability.
If you are an Australian Disability Enterprise that has made a significant contribution to ensuring that people with disability are encouraged to participate to their full potential in employment, you can nominate for the Australian Disability Enterprise Awards 2011.
The Awards will be presented at the National Disability Services Employment forum to be held 5 September 2011 in Sydney.
To make an enquiry please email: excellenceawards@fahcsia.gov.au
WorkSafe update (Victoria)
20th Jul 2011
WorkSafe has published the Community Support Services Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Kit (pdf) which provides information about managing risk in six areas where injuries are common. Community Support organisations can use the kit to assist check, identify and reduce the risk of injury from events such as hazardous manual handling, slips, trips and falls and occupational violence.
It is understood that Community Organisations can expect unannounced spot checks by WorkSafe inspectors as well as pre arranged visits.
The Kit and further information is available on the Worksafe website and also a free phone number for additional advise 1800 136 089
HDAA office move
04th Jun 2011
HDAA is excited to announce that we are moving office on 7 June 2011.
We will be off line from close of business on 6 June until start of business 8 June.
Phone calls to HDAA main line, 07 3491 6878, will directed to Suzanne Le Huray, Operations Manager.
Our new physical address is the only contact detail that will change, to:
4/12 Endeavour Boulevard, NORTH LAKES QLD 4509
IAF Survey
03rd May 2011
The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) has launched an online survey in order to capture
information from the users of certification services to gauge an insight into the value and drivers
for certification.
As a Member of IAF, we are committed to capturing information to enable us to
further develop the principles and practices for the conduct of conformity assessment that will
deliver the confidence needed for market acceptance.
The survey should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete and your feedback is gratefully
received. Click here to take part in the survey.
Productivity Commission report
19th Mar 2011
The Productivity Commission (PC) has proposed that the disability support system be reformed. It has said that the current system is: "underfunded, unfair, fragmented, and inefficient, and gives people with a disability little choice and no certainty of access to appropriate supports". As a result it has delivered a draft report that recommends a doubling of expenditure on disability support services.
The Commission has proposed establishing two schemes insurance schemes; i.e., a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS).
The Commission proposal is that the NDIS provide insurance cover for all Australians in the event of significant disability. The National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS) provides for a model of separate, state-based no-fault schemes providing nationally consistent lifetime care and support to all people newly affected by catastrophic injury.
The Commission has indicated that funding for the NDIS would come from the Australian Government directing payments from consolidated revenue into a 'National Disability Insurance Premium Fund'.
The aim of the NDIS is to provide reasonable and necessary supports for long-term disability support that is currently provided by specialist providers.
Other services such as health, housing, transport, employment services and so on are expected to remain outside the proposed scheme.
A core feature of the proposed change is that nationally consistent assessment would be used to determine the support needs of eligible people. A package of supports would be provided. People would then choose their service provider, with assistance where necessary. There would also be the option available to self-manage through self-directing funding.
It is proposed The new scheme would potentially be trialled in one region in 2014, with implementation across Australia in 2015 - 2018.
Copies of the Commission's report can be accessed from: www.pc.gov.au
Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation guidance materials now available
18th Nov 2010
Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation guidance materials are now available to support practices with developing Quality Systems and accreditation applications.
This is great news for practices seeking support with developing the required documentation to meet the Diagnostic Imaging Full Suite of Practice Accreditation Standards.
The Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) have just released the comprehensive guidance materials which include detailed information on each standard explaining what is required, references to State and Territory legislation and templates that practices can adopt to produce the evidence required to meet the Standards.
DoHA is writing to inform all practices registered for Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation of the release of these new Guidance Materials that they have developed.
The Guidance document and word templates are now available to down load from this link to DoHA's website.
A Study on Disability Support Pensions
10th Nov 2010
Jessica Brown has recently published an article that identifies that there is widespread support for the idea that as a community, we should provide financial assistance to those who cannot adequately support themselves because of their disability. She says that over 770,000 Australian are on a Disability Support Pension. This has doubled since the mid 1980's, a trend also seen in Europe and America.
A recent study published in the British journal Economic Policy states that this is due to inadequate differential between "health disability" and "work disability".
Health disability is measurable objective change in population health and is steady and predictable. With improvements to health care and scientific breakthroughs health disability should decline.
Work disability fluctuates with changes in the job market and attitudes towards people with disability in the work place. Globally it is seen that when the job market declines, claims for disability payments go up. While some people will not return to work again some will once their medical condition improves (such as recovery form back injuries or other physical conditions), unemployment falls or social attitudes shift.
Brown claims that by more clearly differentiating between the two groups the current situation; where receiving disability benefits have become a defacto dole with little incentive to work due to consequent loss of income, could be reduced.
The author identifies that there is a danger that any decrease in DSP numbers will simply lead to an increase in the unemployment rolls. Therefore, reform efforts must also focus on the availability of suitable jobs and on providing adequate assistance for people with disabilities to find and retain work.
The full article by Jessica Brown and published by CIS can be download from from this link to www.cis.org.au
Community Care Common Standards
28th Oct 2010
The Community Care Common Standards are part of a reform agenda to streamline administrative arrangements across community aged care programs and jurisdictions. Common standards and common arrangements have been developed for quality reporting processes.
The common standards will replace existing standards which currently differ between programs. The common standards will apply to:
- the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program
- packaged care programs [Community Aged Care Packages (CACP), Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) and Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia (EACHD)]
- the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP).
Presentations are being held across Australia to provide information to the community aged care sector including service providers, peak bodies, quality reviewers and other government representatives about the common standards and streamlined reporting processes.
For dates, locations and to register for the presentations please follow this link : www.comcarestandards.com.au/overview.html
Consultation on Draft National Safety & Quality Health Service Standards
17th Sep 2010
The Commision is seeking comment by 8 October 2010 on a further five draft Standards for the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards prior to launching a pilot in early 2011.
The Standards will provide a guide to Health Service Organisations for the levels of patient care that is expected in Australia and will be applicable across all Health Service Organisations.
The five draft Standards that feedback is currently sought on are:
- Partnering for Consumer Engagement.
- Blood and Blood Product Safety.
- Prevention and Managment of Pressure Ulcers.
- Recognising and Responding to Clinical Deterioration in Acute Health Care.
- Preventing Falls and Harm from Falls.
Further details of the Commisions progress can be accesed from the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care at www.safetyandquality.gov.au
If your organisation would like to participate in the Pilot Study in 2011 of these five Standards please contact the Commission at mail@safetyand quality .gov.au
Good News - Help with Diagnostic Imaging Policies and Procedures on its way.
17th May 2010
The Department of Health and Ageing have announced that they are tendering for an organisation to develop guidance material to assist practices that provide diagnostic imaging services to become accredited under Stage II of the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme.
This is great news and it will be of considerable help and assistance to practices.
It is intended that the materials will include items such as procedure documents, templates, checklists, flow charts and answers to frequently asked questions. The material is to be in various formats and appropriate for the needs of small general practices through to large specialist centres. It is expected these materials will be available in October 2010.
In the meantime, HDAA has also developed resources for diagnostic imagine practices and in July 2010 HDAA member practices will be able to access a booklet that explains the standards and the documentary evidence required for an application based on the range of services practices provide.
Remember: the Full Suite of Practice Accreditation Standards can be viewed on this website in the left hand menu under "DI Standards".
Approved Accreditor for Diagnostic Imaging Stage II
01st Apr 2010
HDAA is delighted to announce our appointment by the Hon Nicola Roxon MP - Minister for Health and Ageing to accredit diagnostic imaging practices for Stage II of the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme.
The Health Insurance Amendment (Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation) Act 2007 has been amended to include a greater range of modalities and the legislative instrument setting out the operational arrangements has now been approved.
Stage II of the diagnostic imaging scheme requires accreditation to 15 comprehensive Standards and encompasses a greater range of DIST modalities; therefore more practice types are eligible to participate, including;
- Cardiac Ultrasound and angiography;
- Obstetric and gynecological ultrasound;
- Nuclear medicine imaging services.
HDAA is an experienced provider of diagnostic imaging accreditation services and has designed a straightforward membership programme to support practices with accreditation in Stage II.
More information
Full information regarding Stage II of the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation scheme will be uploaded shortly to www.hdaau.com.au .
Alternatively, if your practice has queries regarding the Stage II scheme please call the HDAA diagnostic imaging team on 1800 601 696 for guidance.
NDAP agencies choose HDAA
15th Feb 2010
A number of the agencies in the NDAP trial audit programme have already chosen HDAA to complete their audit. We are looking forward to working with our new NDAP clients to contribute to the development of advocacy nationally.
Please contact HDAA if you have any queries regarding the NDAP or would like to discuss the supportive service HDAA can provide to your agency.
Draft Infection Control Guidelines
13th Jan 2010
PROPOSED GUIDELINES
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Healthcare (the Commission), have recently made the Australian Infection Control Guidelines: preventing and managing infection in health care (the draft Guidelines) available to public comment.
The aim of these draft Guidelines is to assist a coordinated approach to the management of health care associated infection. They have been developed to support other initiatives of the Commission's Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI). Please refer to http://www.health.gov.au and go to Our Work for further detail of HAI.
The draft Australian Infection Control Guidelines have been written from a care delivery perspective, focus on safety and quality and using a risk management framework. This approach differs from the current Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) 2004 Infection Control Guidelines for the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases in the health care setting which are disease and setting specific.
The NHMRC is keen to receive feedback from the community in the development of the guidelines.
To make a submission please refer to the Guidelines section of the NHMRC website http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines/consult. The closing date for submissions is 10 March 2010.
National Disability Advocacy Programme (NDAP)
16th Nov 2009
The National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) assists more than 37,000 people with disability across Australia to overcome barriers that impact on their daily life and their ability to participate in the community. The sector has been working with the Department on the development of quality assurance assessment process as part of the national Disability Services Quality Strategy.
Health and Disability Auditing Australia is a member of the JAS-ANZ’s Disability Advocacy Technical Committee developing the independent monitoring process (Procedure 29) for the NDAP certification scheme. The Procedure will be used by accredited Certification Bodies to certify NDAP agencies against revised Disability Advocacy Standards and Key Performance Indicators and Evidence Guidelines. The approach builds on the Disability Employment Services scheme, the Queensland Disability Support Standards scheme and the Standards Disability Services in Victoria scheme.
The NDAP scheme is to be trialled from November 2009. Training for Certification Bodies is being facilitated by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) in late November. Twelve advocacy agencies from across Australia have been selected to participate in the trial programme.
A full independent evaluation of the trail will be conducted and legislative changes implementation prior the certification scheme launch in early 2011.
FaHCSIA and the NDAP sector have developed the National Disability Advocacy Programme Quality Improvement Toolkit. The Toolkit is designed to provide practical tools, resources and advice to assist NDAP agencies develop and improve advocacy work within existing and future quality assurance requirements. The toolkit is freely available to agencies and can be accessed from:
www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/pubs
Consultation Draft of 2nd Edition Practice Accreditation Standards
17th Jun 2009
The suite of draft accreditation standards proposed for the second stage of the Diagnostic Imaging Practice Accreditation Scheme has been released by the Department of Health and Ageing for public comment.
The Consultation Draft of 2nd Edition Practice Accreditation Standards has nine higher level standards which a practice seeking accreditation would be expected to meet under the second stage of the scheme.
The additional standards include the four priorities identified by the Australian Commission on Safety & Quality in Health Care:
- Patient identification
- Infection control
- Medication management
- Clinical handover
The five other new standards identified by the Consultative Working Group of technical experts in diagnostic imaging cover:
- Equipment
- Radiation dose optimisation
- Informed patient consent
- Diagnostic Imaging protocols
- Patient feedback and complaints management
Feedback to the Department of Health and Ageing on the draft 2nd Edition Practice Accreditation Standards is invited before the close of business on 10 July 2009. Please download the document for contact details.
DI Accreditation Scheme
27th Mar 2009
The Department of Health and Ageing has released information in relation to Stage 2 of the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme.
The Department's website has been updated and the link is http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/diagnosticimaging-accred2
The Department has also released a paper "Moving to the Next Phase of Accreditation" which can be found at the following address:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/ Content/diagim-accred4
Health and Disability Auditing Australia, as an accrediting body for Stage 1, is working with The Department of Health and Ageing and preparing to become a provider of Stage 2 of the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme.
DI Practice Grant Now Available
19th Dec 2008
Funding is now available from the Department of Health and Ageing for the improvement of diagnostic imaging service quality. This includes funding for compliance activities such as participation in the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme.
The programme is called the Diagnostic Imaging Quality Practice Program (DIQPP).
All practices with a Location Specific Practice Number (LPSN) that provide radiology and or nuclear medicine services in 2007-08 and that continue to provide those same services in the current financial year are eligible for a grant.
Grants range from $500 to $18,000 depending on the number of diagnostic and or nuclear medicine services provided by a practice in 2007-08.
The Department has stated that:
"With its grant, a practice can choose to invest in a wide range of activities to improve the quality of services. These include:
- Investments in IT systems, e.g., introducing patient management software, or image storage infrastructure;
- Investments in capital infrastructure, e.g., assisting with purchasing new equipment or upgrading current equipment (including computers, monitors, imaging equipment, etc);
- Investment in facilities, e.g., upgrades and refurbishments to patient areas;
- Developing workforce, e.g., up-skilling staff into roles;
- Compliance activities, e.g., participation in the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme; preparation of radiation safety plans, equipment compliance activities.
- Or any other activity that improves the quality of services."
To be eligible for a grant under the programme, LSPN providers need to nominate that they continue to provide radiology and or nuclear medicine services through demonstrating one of the following three activities:
- Participation in the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme;
- An intention to participate in the Diagnostic Accreditation Scheme;
- Ineligibility for the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme through the provision of nuclear medicine services only.
You can find out more about the programme (including how to apply) by visiting:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/diqpp08.htm
There you will find download links for the application forms and the information sheets.