Outcome 1.4 of the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards establishes the critical foundation of trust between providers and older people through transparent communication, fair agreements, and ethical financial practices. This outcome ensures that individuals can make informed decisions about their care with full understanding of their rights, responsibilities, fees, and services before committing to any agreements.
Under the strengthened standards, providers must provide individuals with the opportunity to exercise autonomy, adequate time to consider agreements, and access to external advice before entering into care arrangements. Additionally, providers must ensure complete transparency around fees, charges, and invoices, with prompt resolution of any overcharging issues. Getting this training right is not just about regulatory compliance—it's about building genuine trust and preventing financial exploitation in aged care.
Bottom Line Up Front
Outcome 1.4 requires comprehensive training that ensures older people receive complete, understandable information before entering agreements, have adequate time and opportunity to seek advice, understand their rights and responsibilities, receive accurate and transparent pricing information, and are protected from overcharging through prompt refund processes. Your workers must demonstrate they can facilitate informed decision-making, provide transparent financial information, and protect individuals from financial harm.
Let's walk through exactly what this means for your training programs and how to implement it systematically to meet regulatory requirements while genuinely protecting the financial interests and autonomy of the people in your care.
Understanding What Outcome 1.4 Actually Requires
Under the strengthened standards, providers have two core responsibilities that your training must address comprehensively:
First, before entering into any agreements with individuals about the delivery of funded aged care services, you must provide individuals with the opportunity to exercise autonomy, the time they need to consider the agreement, and an opportunity to seek advice. This isn't about rushing people into decisions—it's about ensuring genuine informed consent.
Second, you must support individuals to understand and make informed decisions about their agreements, fees, and invoices. Your training must equip workers to communicate financial information clearly, ensure transparency in all charges, and promptly address any pricing errors or concerns.
Critical Compliance Requirements
Actions 1.4.5-1.4.7 specifically require providers to ensure prices, fees and payments are accurate and transparent, provide clear and timely invoices, and promptly address overcharging with refunds. This means your training must include specific processes for financial transparency and error correction.
Recommended Ausmed Training Modules for Outcome 1.4
Based on our review of available Ausmed Training Modules, the following modules directly support compliance with Outcome 1.4 requirements. All modules require an Ausmed subscription (individual module purchases are not available):
Key Ausmed Training Modules
- The Code of Conduct for Aged Care - 15 minutes - Establishes ethical and legal framework for transparency
- Standard 1: The Individual - 10 minutes - Covers all Outcome 1.4 principles
- Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards - 30 minutes - Comprehensive coverage of all transparency requirements
- Open Disclosure and Apology - 22 minutes - Supports transparency and error correction processes
- Customer Service - 29 minutes - Foundational skills for transparent communication
- Communicating in Aged Care - 24 minutes - Essential communication skills for agreements and fees
Note: All modules are available through Ausmed subscription and align with the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards framework.
The Seven Essential Training Areas for Outcome 1.4
Based on the specific actions required under Outcome 1.4, your training program must address seven core areas that build comprehensive competency in transparency and agreements:
Training Area 1: Pre-Agreement Information Provision (Action 1.4.1)
Recommended Duration: 20-25 minutes
Learning Outcomes: Workers can provide comprehensive information to enable informed decision-making before any agreement is entered into or care services commence, whichever comes first.
Relevant Ausmed Training Modules:
- Communicating in Aged Care - 24 minutes
- The Code of Conduct for Aged Care - 15 minutes
- Person-Centred, Rights-Based Care for the Older Person - 12 minutes
- Providing complete service information before agreements or care commencement
- Explaining all aspects of funded aged care services clearly
- Ensuring information is accessible and understandable
- Documenting information provision processes
- Recognising when additional information or clarification is needed
| Role Category | Training Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Intake & Admissions Staff |
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| Care Coordinators & Case Managers |
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| Finance & Administration Staff |
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| Management & Supervisory Staff |
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Prepare for Implementation
With the strengthened standards coming into effect with the new Aged Care Act, now is the time to finalise your training programs and ensure full compliance with Outcome 1.4. Visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website for the latest implementation guidance. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission provides ongoing resources to support your preparation.
