Alternative arrangements for residential aged care staffing responsibilities final report

This 2023 report explores alternative staffing models for residential aged care services that struggle to meet the 24/7 registered nurse requirement. Commissioned by the Department of Health and Aged Care, it recommends flexible, clinically safe approaches such as nurse practitioner-led models, telehealth, and outreach services—particularly for rural and remote facilities. The report supports exemptions in specific contexts (e.g. small facilities in MMM 5–7 areas) and emphasizes the need for tailored staffing solutions, strong monitoring, and collaboration with health services to maintain care quality while addressing workforce shortages.