The Framework

We have clear accountability for the safety and quality of care in our practice.

This domain covers how the practice is led, how decisions are made, and how accountability flows. It includes the roles and responsibilities of the principal practitioner(s), practice manager, and clinical staff. It addresses clinical policies, scope of practice, incident management, complaints handling, and how the practice learns from things that go wrong.

We identify and manage risks to patient safety before they cause harm.

This domain covers how the practice identifies, assesses, and manages clinical risks. It includes infection prevention and control, medication safety, equipment management, emergency preparedness, safe procedure management, and workplace health and safety.

We provide evidence-based care and monitor our clinical outcomes.

This domain covers how the practice ensures that the care it provides is informed by current evidence and aligned with relevant clinical guidelines and college standards. It includes clinical decision-making, appropriate use of investigations and referrals, informed consent processes, continuity of care planning, and how the practice monitors and reviews its clinical outcomes over time.

We treat every patient with dignity and respect, and we listen to their feedback.

This domain covers how the practice is experienced by patients - from first contact through to departure. It includes access and responsiveness, financial transparency, respectful and person-centred care, cultural safety, privacy and dignity, patient feedback, and the waiting room and patient journey.

We manage patient information securely and in accordance with our legal obligations.

This domain covers how the practice manages clinical records, protects patient privacy, secures data, and meets its obligations under the Privacy Act and the My Health Records Act. It includes record quality, access controls, backup and disaster recovery, secure communication, and the retention and disposal of health records.

Our team has the qualifications, skills, and support to deliver safe, high-quality care.

This domain covers staffing, credentialing, and professional development. It includes verification of practitioner qualifications and registration, staff orientation and ongoing training, scope of practice documentation, performance management, workplace culture, and the health and wellbeing of the practice team. It also covers the use of locums, visiting practitioners, and allied health professionals working within the practice.

Our physical and digital environment supports safe care and a positive experience.

This domain addresses the full scope of the practice environment: the premises patients walk into, the rooms in which they are examined or treated, the systems used to manage their care, and the plans that exist to keep the practice functioning when things go wrong. It also covers the practice's obligations around sterilisation, waste, and environmental safety - areas where lapses carry regulatory as well as clinical consequences.

We actively seek to improve what we do and can demonstrate progress over time.

This domain covers the practice's commitment to getting better. It includes how the practice sets quality improvement goals, conducts internal audits, uses data to inform decisions, participates in benchmarking or peer review, and embeds a culture where improvement is expected and supported. It also covers how the practice stays current with regulatory changes and evolving best practice.