Become a Registered Aged Care Provider-Support at Home Program
Your pathway to success in Aged Care begins here.
At Lorraine Poulos and Associates (LPA), we understand the complexities of navigating the evolving aged care sector. As the Support at Home Program reshapes the landscape, we are here to guide you through the process of becoming a registered or associated provider. With the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards set to take effect from 1 November, and the Single Provider Model coming into play, the aged care sector is undergoing significant reform.
Our expert team provides in-depth support to ensure that you not only meet the regulatory requirements but also deliver high-quality care that aligns with the latest standards and expectations. We offer a strategic approach to help you:
Navigate the single provider model: Providers will need to demonstrate integrated service delivery, ensuring that they meet the needs of participants in a cohesive, person-centred way. As your trusted consultant, we will guide you in adapting your business operations to meet these new demands, including compliance with registration criteria, governance, and reporting obligations.
Prepare for the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards: From 1 November, the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards will place an increased emphasis on continuous quality improvement, participant safety, and transparency. Our team is equipped to support you in aligning your services with these standards, ensuring that your organisation is not only compliant but also positioned to provide exceptional care to older Australians.
Ensure ongoing compliance: With the evolving regulatory environment, it’s critical to stay ahead of compliance requirements. LPA will help you understand the implications of these reforms and provide hands-on guidance for implementing effective compliance systems.
Registration requirements for a registered provider vs associate provider (contractor)
We encourage you to refer to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s information available to understand further the process of becoming a registered provider or associated provider. At LPA we are working with new providers to ensure they are in the best position to submit their application under the strengthened Aged Care Act from 1 November 2025.
| Registration Requirement | Registered Provider | Associated Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Participant Interaction | Can directly engage with and provide services to participants. | Provides services under the supervision of the registered provider and does not directly engage with participants independently. |
| Eligibility Check | Must meet the criteria set in the Aged Care Act 2024 and Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. | Must align with the registered provider’s requirements, but not directly assessed by the ACQSC. |
| Application Submission | Submit a detailed application to the ACQSC, including documentation of service model, governance, and financial systems. | Not required to submit an application to the ACQSC, but must enter into a partnership agreement with a registered provider. |
| Compliance with Aged Care Standards | Must comply with the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, including governance, service delivery, and consumer safety. | Must comply with the registered provider's compliance systems and follow their governance and service delivery standards. |
| Governance and Risk Management | Must have internal governance, risk management, and quality control frameworks in place. | Must adhere to the governance and risk management frameworks of the registered provider. |
| Participant Care Standards | Must meet person-centred care and safety standards as outlined in the Support at Home Program. | Must follow the registered provider’s protocols for consumer safety, quality, and care. |
| Financial Management | Responsible for managing finances, funding claims, and reporting to the ACQSC. | Financial reporting and claims management are overseen by the registered provider. |
| Quality Assurance Systems | Must have systems in place for ongoing quality improvement and continuous compliance with aged care reforms. | Must align with the registered provider’s quality assurance and improvement systems. |
| Oversight and Reporting | Directly responsible for ongoing reporting to the ACQSC and maintaining registration. | Must report through the registered provider’s systems, with oversight from the registered provider for compliance. |
Why choose LPA?
LPA is a trusted leader in the aged care consulting industry. With years of experience helping providers thrive under regulatory frameworks, we have developed a deep understanding of the Support at Home Program, the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, and the Aged Care Act 2024. Our team of experts is committed to empowering your organisation with the knowledge and resources needed for successful registration and ongoing compliance.
Our Expertise in Aged Care Compliance and Registration
Guidance for New Providers:
Understanding the Support at Home Program: Learn what the transition to Support at Home means for you and your organisation.
Compliance & Documentation: We help you understand and meet all necessary documentation requirements for successful registration.
Quality Standards Assurance: Our team ensures you’re ready for Quality Standards audits and can demonstrate a commitment to quality care.
Ongoing Support & Training: Stay informed with our ongoing training opportunities that keep you aligned with new regulations and best practices.
For Associated Providers:
As part of the Support at Home Program, you may be considering becoming an associated provider (currently referred to as a contractor). LPA supports your transition, helping you understand the requirements, responsibilities, and the benefits of aligning with registered providers.
How can LPA support you?
- Expert Consultation: Get personalised guidance from expert consultants who have worked across all levels of aged care.
- Customised Action Plans: Receive a clear, actionable plan for achieving registration and maintaining compliance.
- Practical Resources: Access a range of resources designed to simplify the compliance and registration process.
- Continuous Support: From the initial application to ongoing audits and reviews, LPA is with you every step of the way.
Our Services Include:
The below is a starting point of how we can support you in your journey as a provider in the Aged Care sector. How we will help you depends on what you currently have in place and what pathway you will take in providing services to older Australians. We highly recommend that you stay updated through government channels as these changes are evolving including the potential for registered providers to only offer services in particular categories (however this has been outlined that it will not be possible until at least 2027).
Our services include:
- Strategic Advice on Provider Registration
- Full Assistance with Document Preparation
- Audit & Compliance Support
- Clinical Care Model Development
- Training & Workforce Development
- Risk Management & Governance Advice
With our end-to-end services, LPA makes the process of becoming a registered or associated provider seamless and stress-free.
Ready to become a registered provider?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can support your transition into the Support at Home Program.
