GP practices will get 28-day warning before accreditation visits under watchdog’s proposal

An alternative to short-term checks would be a longer accreditation cycle with at least one midpoint review.
Dr Paul Mara
Dr Paul Mara.

Assessments with one month of notice or an extended accreditation cycle with at least one mid-cycle review are the two main options in a proposed GP practice accreditation revamp.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare says changes are necessary because just 22% of practices remain compliant with standards throughout the three-year accreditation cycle.

In its consultation, one option involves extending the accreditation cycle to four years but with practices subject to at least one midpoint review. 

The commission suggests such a review would reduce “pressure and stress” on practices when preparing for their next routine assessment, by identifying areas of concern sooner.