ACQSC lists nine aged care digital platforms

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has published a list of nine digital platform providers operating under the new Aged Care Act, as part of the Commission’s oversight of online platforms connecting older people with aged care providers and workers.

The list, correct as at September 2, identifies organisations that have notified the Commission they are operating platforms connecting older people with aged care providers and workers.

The nine operators are Access Care Australia’s MyCareSpace, Careseekers, CareVicinity, Find a Carer, Hireup, Home Care Heroes’ Like Family, Mable Technologies’ Mable, Mobility Australia and Support Network.

The Commission said it will update the list as operators notify it that they have started or stopped operating.

Digital platform operators are covered by specific requirements under the Aged Care Act 2024. The rules apply to apps, websites and other digital platforms that connect older people with aged care providers or workers.

The Commission said the category does not include software companies that simply provide technology to aged care providers or providers using their own systems to connect workers with people already in their care.

Operators are required to check and display information about providers and workers using their platforms, including provider registration, worker screening, qualifications and credentials.

Under the Aged Care Act 2024, operators must also meet requirements covering complaints and reportable incidents and display the aged care Statement of Rights on their platforms.

In addition, operators are required to provide quarterly information to the Commission on activity across their platforms.

This includes the number of complaints and reportable incidents, the number of providers and workers available through the platforms and the number of older people receiving government-funded aged care services through them.

The Commission said digital platform operators that do not meet their obligations may be subject to compliance and enforcement action under the Act.