Outcomes-focussed regulation of aged care

This is a submission on the draft Regulator Performance Guide, made on behalf of consumers. It uses aged care regulation as a case study, and suggests some principles that may apply to other regulators.

Under the Aged Care Act 1997, aged care has been regulated by subjective assessments of aged care providers. The recent Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety found many defects in quality of care.

Technological advances have made it possible to automatically monitor many aspects of care quality. Research into alternative measurement technologies, and investment in the best of them, should yield better care.

Outcome data should be provided to regulators frequently, at low cost, and with very little opportunity for fraud by the regulated. This should allow quick intervention by regulators when needed.

Outcomes-focussed regulation should allow more competition and innovation, and more precise targeting of government subsidies.