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Aged Care – Screening requirements

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Table of Contents

Including Key Reforms Effective 1 November 2025 #

If you intend to work — paid or voluntary — in an aged care setting, you must complete screening clearances. These checks safeguard the safety and wellbeing of people accessing aged care.

This article outlines the current requirements, the screening types, what counts, and explains the significant regulatory changes that took effect from 1 November 2025.

About Aged Care Screening Checks #

Screening in aged care assesses:

  • a person’s criminal history, and
  • where relevant, their work-misconduct history

This ensures you’re suitable for roles that involve older or vulnerable people in residential, in-home or community care settings.

Types of Screening Used in Aged Care #

1. Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) #

Formerly known as a National Police Check, or simply “police certificate.”
It shows your criminal history status across all Australian jurisdictions.

2. NDIS Worker Screening Check #

This check is required when you’re in a risk-assessed role (especially supporting people with disability), or in an aged care service that also supports NDIS participants.
It covers criminal history, reportable incidents, and relevant disciplinary proceedings.

What Changed on 1 November 2025 #

From 1 November 2025, under the Aged Care Act 2024 and Aged Care Rules 2025, important changes apply to aged care worker screening. (Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission reference)

Key changes include:

  • The definition of an ‘aged care worker’ and a ‘responsible person’ expanded — meaning more roles are captured under screening obligations.
  • Screening requirements now apply to workers and responsible persons engaged by a registered provider, including associated providers and digital platform workers.
  • For many roles, you’ll need either a police certificate less than 3 years old that does not include certain precluding offences, or a valid NDIS Worker Screening Clearance.
  • Stronger record-keeping obligations: providers must keep proof of each worker’s certificate or clearance, and if applicable a statutory declaration for overseas residency if the person was a citizen or permanent resident in another country after turning 16.
  • Transitional arrangements: Workers can continue with existing police checks until expiry, and providers must meet the new screening requirements.
  • References: (Health, Disability and Ageing+1)

Current vs New Requirements (at a glance) #

Before 1 Nov 2025From 1 Nov 2025
Existing definitions of aged care worker and responsible person.Expanded definitions under the new Act and Rules.
Many roles accepted a police certificate or NDIS check depending on provider.Clear rule: each worker/responsible person must hold either a police certificate < 3 years old (with no excluded offences) or a valid NDIS Worker Screening Clearance.
Record-keeping obligations: provider must hold proof of screening.Stronger record-keeping: must hold evidence, statutory declaration if required, and must act if a precluding offence occurs.
Screening regime separated for NDIS and aged care in many cases.From 1 Nov 2025, move toward consistency and recognition between aged care and NDIS screening.

What This Means for You (Worker) #

  • If you’re already working in aged care: Check your certificate or clearance is valid, up-to-date, and the provider has your details linked.
  • If you’re seeking aged care work: Be aware your role may now fall under the updated definitions — talk to your provider about which check you need.
  • If you’ve lived overseas after age 16 or are a permanent resident: You may need to provide a statutory declaration in addition to your screening certificate.
  • These changes aim to make screening more consistent across aged care and disability sectors — meaning fewer separate checks when you move between sectors.

What This Means for Providers #

  • Review your workforce to ensure all workers and responsible persons meet the criteria that apply from 1 November 2025.
  • Make sure your record-keeping systems capture screening certificates/clearances, expiry dates, and statutory declarations where required.
  • Communicate to your workforce about the updated definitions and screening obligations.
  • Monitor official guidance for any further changes to aged care worker screening.

Related Worker Checks Services #

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