The Aged Care Act 2025 places stronger expectations on how care is delivered, documented, and justified. For nurses working in aged care, compliance is no longer just about following routine. It is about being able to clearly demonstrate safe, respectful, rights-based care.
This checklist is designed as a practical self-check. It is not legal advice and it is not a replacement for workplace policies. It is a way to sense-check your day-to-day practice under the new Act.
It applies to RNs, ENs, and AINs working across residential aged care and community settings.
1. Scope of Practice and Role Clarity
Before the shift even starts, role clarity matters.
Checklist
- I am working within my professional scope
- My responsibilities for this shift are clear
- I know who to escalate to if something is outside my scope
- I am not being asked to perform tasks I am not authorised or trained to do
Why this matters
Unclear roles increase risk. The Act expects accountability to align with scope and responsibility.
2. Resident Rights and Consent
The Aged Care Act is built on enforceable resident rights. These rights must be reflected in care delivery and records.
Checklist
- The resident’s preferences are known and documented
- Consent has been obtained where required
- Substitute decision-makers are recorded if applicable
- Care respects dignity, privacy, and choice
Key point
Rights must be visible in practice and documentation, not assumed.
3. Clinical Assessment and Decision-Making
Clinical judgement still matters. The difference now is how clearly that judgement is demonstrated.
Checklist
- Assessments are current and relevant
- Changes in condition are recognised and recorded
- Clinical decisions include a documented rationale
- I am not relying solely on routine or habit
Key point
If a decision is questioned later, the expectation is that reasoning is clear in the record.
4. Documentation and Record Keeping
Documentation is one of the strongest indicators of compliance under the new Act.
Checklist
- Progress notes are timely and accurate
- Notes explain why actions were taken, not just what was done
- Incidents are reported according to policy
- Escalations include who was contacted and when
Key point
Documentation is evidence. If it is not recorded, it is difficult to demonstrate compliance.
5. Escalation and Deterioration
Recognising deterioration is not enough. Appropriate escalation is essential.
Checklist
- I know the escalation pathway for this facility
- Concerns are escalated early
- Escalations are documented clearly
- Follow-up actions are recorded
Key point
Escalation protects residents and clinicians. Documentation completes the loop.
6. Policies, Procedures, and Safe Care
Policies matter under the new Act, but they are not infallible.
Checklist
- I know where to access current policies and procedures
- I follow procedures unless there is a clear clinical reason not to
- Any deviation is documented and escalated
- I raise concerns if policies are unclear, outdated, or unsafe
Key point
Following policy protects you. Blindly following unsafe policy does not.
7. Communication and Handover
Poor communication is a common contributor to compliance failures.
Checklist
- Handover information is accurate and complete
- Changes in condition or risk are clearly communicated
- Critical information is documented, not just verbal
- Issues are escalated to the appropriate clinician or manager
Key point
Clear communication supports continuity of care and accountability.
8. Professional Responsibility and Ongoing Awareness
The Act places expectations on organisations, but individual professional responsibility still applies.
Checklist
- I ask for clarification when unsure
- I escalate when support is needed
- I participate in required training and updates
- I take reasonable steps to stay informed about aged care requirements
Key point
Professional judgement includes knowing when to ask for help.
How to Use This Checklist
This checklist is not a tick-box exercise. It is a reflection tool.
If you can reasonably answer yes to most of these points during your shift, you are likely practising in a way that aligns with the Aged Care Act 2025.
Facilities also have a responsibility to support nurses with:
- Clear role definitions
- Up-to-date policies
- Safe staffing levels
- Ongoing education
Compliance works best when systems support good clinicians.
Final word
The Aged Care Act 2025 raises expectations, but it does not require perfection.
It expects nurses to practise within scope, respect resident rights, escalate concerns, and document care clearly.
When those foundations are in place, compliance becomes part of good nursing practice, not an added burden.
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