No matching topics. Try a criterion code (CG9) or a word from the indicator text.
Introduction
How the 6th edition is built, including environmental sustainability and optional PoCT.
The RACGP Standards for general practices (6th edition, published July 2026) exist so practices can identify, develop and implement systems that are robust, contemporary, and a framework for continuous quality improvement. They are written around outcomes, not a single mandated process: you design systems that fit your clinic, provided the criterion is met. This page is an unofficial GP-friendly guide for clinicians. It is not a substitute for the official RACGP text used in accreditation.
- Five standards: Foundations (F), Clinical governance (CG), Patient participation (PP), Continuous quality improvement (CQI), and optional Point-of-care testing (PoCT).
- Each criterion has a code (standard + number + letter), a consumer expectation statement, and guidance titled “Why this is important” and “Meeting these criteria”.
- The word “could” in RACGP guidance means examples are not mandatory or exhaustive. You do not have to implement every example if the criterion itself is met.
- Official RACGP pages: link out from each card. Check the official text before a survey visit.
The five elements of the quintuple aim for healthcare improvement are the foundation of these Standards: improving the patient experience; population health outcomes; cost-efficiency of healthcare; provider wellbeing; and health equity. Person-centred care sits at the front of accreditation — patients’ needs, values and preferences, and an active role in their own care.
- Patient experience: environment, access, communication, and feedback.
- Population health: preventive care, health information, environmental sustainability.
- Reducing costs: less waste, better allocation of resources, continuous improvement.
- Practice team wellbeing: collaboration, induction and CPD, a culture that supports safety and health.
- Health equity: culturally appropriate care, accessible services, good health data.
Environmental sustainability is embedded throughout the 6th edition, not only in F3. Together with RACGP climate-and-health resources, the Standards support reducing energy use, minimising waste, and environmentally aware clinical work. The extract states this safeguards public health, upholds ethical responsibilities, and supports long-term viability of the practice.
- F3 — climate resilience, reducing environmental impact, and a named team member.
- CG4.C — support the clinical team to adopt environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient clinical practices.
- PP6.B — share information with patients about environmental issues relevant to their healthcare.
- CQI1.B — assess and act on environmental performance (required). CQI1.C measuring footprint metrics is aspirational.
The PoCT standard (updated 6th edition) is optional. It aims to improve the quality and safety of point-of-care testing and help services find gaps in systems. Accreditation against PoCT is in addition to the rest of the Standards, by an NGPA-approved agency, and can happen with or after the usual accreditation visit.
- Possible benefits named in the extract: faster clinical decisions with the patient; better completion of pathology requests; convenience; more equitable access regardless of where patients live; more engagement with the practice team.
- If you do not perform PoCT, you do not need this standard for ordinary general practice accreditation.
All criteria in the Standards need to be met to achieve accreditation, apart from those marked Aspirational. RACGP encourages practices to meet aspirational criteria, but they are not essential for accreditation. In this 6th edition extract, the aspirational items are F8.F, CG3.J, CQI1.C, and PoCT6.B.
- F8.F — inform patients about digital communication tools used to support care (aspirational).
- CG3.J — collect ethnicity, birth sex, gender and preferred pronouns in codable fields where relevant (aspirational).
- CQI1.C — measure environmental-impact metrics for overall footprint (aspirational).
- PoCT6.B — record PoCT results using a nationally recognised coding system (aspirational).
- “Patient” = person seeking or receiving care; “consumer” = person using a health service, or someone supporting them; “consumer representative” = a consumer advising on behalf of others.
- Practice team = everyone who works or provides care; clinical team = those with health qualifications; employed members vs independent doctors in practice — some criteria apply only to employed members.
To seek accreditation a practice or health service needs to provide comprehensive, person-centred, whole-person and continuous care, and its services are predominantly of a general practice nature: more than 50% of the practice’s GPs’ clinical time (collectively), and more than 50% of services for which Medicare benefits are claimed or could be claimed from that practice, are in general practice. Meeting this definition only identifies eligibility to be assessed against the Standards. Accredited practices need to be GP-led.
- GP-led: clinically governed primarily by one or more GPs who are physically present and provide in-person consultations on a regular and ongoing basis. In remote or multi-site models, physical presence may not be feasible at all times; shared care with GPs continues when they are not on site.
- Comprehensive care is not limited by body system, disease process or service site — prevention through to acute, chronic and complex care.
- This accreditation definition is not the same as the definition of Comprehensive Australian general practice used for training and Fellowship.
- Continuity: care over time for individual patients. Seeing the same GP is linked in the extract to satisfaction, fewer ED/hospital admissions, lower mortality, and more person-centred care.
- This document is not a complete statement of legal obligations. Practices remain responsible for federal, state, territory and local law.
Foundations of general practice
Strategy, response planning, environment, people, privacy, digital health and AI.
F1
Defining and planning for the practice
Patients expect I expect that this practice has defined mission and values and monitors its progress towards achieving them supported by appropriate and current policies and procedures.
What this means in clinic
Write down what the clinic stands for, who is accountable, and how you know you are on track. The extract expects a strategic plan (reviewed at least every two years), an operational plan, current policies with version control, a way to resolve ethical issues within three months, and a governance process that matches the size of the practice — including a risk register or equivalent.
Key indicators
- F1.A Strategic approach to healthcare that reflects mission, vision, values, and commitment to safety and quality.
- Define and document mission, vision and values; communicate them to the team and consumers; monitor how they show up in operations, safety culture and QI; assess safety culture using team feedback or other methods.
- F1.B Maintain a strategic plan and measure progress toward its goals.
- Documented plan with defined goals, reviewed every two years; at least one team member with primary responsibility for the strategic plan and financial management.
- F1.C Maintain an operational plan and measure progress toward its objectives.
- Documented operational plan with defined objectives; a named person with primary responsibility; measure progress and how mission and values are addressed.
- F1.D Policies, procedures and operational documents are current, accurate and accessible.
- Review all such documents at least every two years, or as circumstances require; version control with assigned sign-off and review.
- F1.E Processes to review, manage and resolve ethical issues.
- Facilitate a process for the team to review, manage and resolve ethical issues within a defined timeframe of three months.
- F1.F Governance process supporting safe, high-quality care and accountable decision-making.
- Designate governance roles; governance informs practice-wide decisions and CQI; align with size, structure and scope; regularly review effectiveness.
- F1.G Identify and manage governance risks.
- Documented processes for strategic, operational and service-related risks; implement, monitor and report mitigation; use a risk register or equivalent; report to practice leadership.
Patients expect I expect that this practice has appropriate response planning in place to coordinate ongoing high-quality and safe care during emergencies and unexpected events.
What this means in clinic
If the clinic cannot open or the computers die, patients still need a plan. Document how you prepare, respond and recover; name someone who owns the plan; make the team aware; keep a way for clinicians to continue care if ICT fails; and actually test the plan. The extract describes an all-hazards approach (clinical emergencies, IT, power, cyber, public health, fire/flood/cyclone, staff shortages) rather than a separate novel for every scenario.
Key indicators
- F2.A A tested response plan for disruption to continuity of services, including unexpected events, emergencies, and interruptions to business-as-usual.
- Document prepare/respond/recover processes; named person for response and emergency processes; team aware of plans; process for the clinical team to continue care if ICT stops; test the response plan.
F3
Environmental sustainability and responsibility
Patients expect I expect that this practice is aware of its environmental impact and is focused on minimising this.
What this means in clinic
Climate change is treated as a public health issue that can knock out buildings, supply chains and vulnerable patients (heatwaves, bushfires, floods, storms). You need to know your climate-related operational risks, write down strategies that cut direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions, and give one team member primary responsibility for environmental sustainability. Suggested actions in RACGP tables are examples (“could”), not extra mandatory lists.
Key indicators
- F3.A Aware of and takes steps to address/improve climate resilience.
- Identify climate-related risks to operations; implement strategies to improve climate resilience.
- F3.B Aware of and takes steps to minimise environmental impact.
- Document strategies to improve environmental impact and reduce direct and indirect carbon greenhouse gas emissions.
- F3.C At least one member of the practice team has primary responsibility for environmental sustainability.
F4
Induction, training and supporting performance
Patients expect I expect that the team at this practice has a clear understanding of their roles and are appropriately managed and trained.
What this means in clinic
New staff get a real induction. Employed team members are trained for their role, stay within scope, know Medicare billing education resources exist, and deliver person-centred care. There is role-appropriate training on recognising and responding to abuse and violence (including family, domestic and sexual violence), with local referral pathways — including reasonable assurance that independent doctors have done that training. Professional development is discussed and documented for employed members. CPR certification is at least once every three years.
Key indicators
- F4.A Induct members of the practice team.
- A system to induct; a named person with primary responsibility for induction.
- F4.B Employed members are trained to perform their role.
- Training at start and ongoing; work within scope; Medicare billing education resources; training appropriate to role and patient population; person-centred care.
- F4.C Role-appropriate training and processes for recognising and responding to abuse and violence, including family, domestic and sexual violence.
- Recognised guidelines and a practice framework; local referral pathways for trauma-informed practice; employed members trained; reasonable assurance independent doctors are trained; team discussions and current resources.
- F4.D Discuss professional development with each employed member.
- Document discussions, agreed actions and ongoing development needs.
- F4.E Members of the practice team are certified at least once every three years to perform CPR.
F5
Registration and qualifications of practitioners
Patients expect I expect the care I receive is always provided by, or supervised by, suitably qualified practitioners.
What this means in clinic
Check that each clinician has current national registration and, where it applies, accreditation/certification. Every GP providing general practice services needs to be a specialist GP, on a pathway to Fellowship, a GP registrar under appropriate specialist GP supervision, or working under an approved workforce program. If specialist GPs and doctors on a Fellowship pathway are unavailable (for example remote towns), doctors who are engaged still need qualifications, training, supervision and CPD to meet patients’ needs. Practitioners themselves keep registration and CPD current.
Key indicators
- F5.A Clinical team members have, where applicable, current national registration and accreditation/certification with their relevant professional association.
- F5.B Every GP who provides general practice services is one or more of: a specialist GP; a medical practitioner on a pathway to general practice Fellowship; a GP registrar under appropriate supervision from a qualified specialist GP; or working under an approved workforce program.
- If engagement of recognised specialist GPs or doctors on a Fellowship pathway has been unsuccessful, doctors engaged need the qualifications and training necessary to meet patients’ needs.
F6
Clinical autonomy of practitioners
Patients expect I expect practitioners at this practice to make clinically independent recommendations to me about my care, based on their expertise and knowledge.
What this means in clinic
Clinicians decide clinical care, referrals, investigations, and how appointments are typed and scheduled — within their scope, skills and knowledge, and still bound by law, professional codes and training rules (for example a registrar’s appointment constraints). Autonomy here does not override registration or training requirements. Ahpra codes of conduct still apply.
Key indicators
- F6.A Members of the clinical team can exercise autonomy, to the full scope of their practice, skills and knowledge, when making decisions that affect clinical care.
- Autonomy in overall clinical care, referrals, requesting investigations, and duration and scheduling of appointments.
F7
Practice team culture, safety and involvement
Patients expect I expect that this practice fosters a culture that supports the health, safety and wellbeing of the practice team and consumers, and enables open communication for the team to work together effectively.
What this means in clinic
Owners and managers own a safe workplace: WHS policy, occupational exposures, support after emergencies or significant clinical incidents, protection from violence and aggression, workload that does not wreck people, and looking at sick leave and why people leave. Leadership systematically asks the whole team for input, has a way to escalate issues, and discusses administrative matters with the team.
Key indicators
- F7.A Foster a positive culture by supporting safety, health and wellbeing of the practice team.
- WHS policy; reduce occupational exposures; support during emergencies/trauma and after significant clinical incidents; educate on WHS; protect from violence and aggression; monitor/adjust workload; analyse sick leave and reasons for departure.
- F7.B Leadership actively seeks involvement and input from all members of the practice team.
- Systematic feedback on working experience and improvements; process to escalate and resolve issues; processes to discuss administrative matters.
Patients expect I expect that my information is securely managed to protect my privacy.
What this means in clinic
Treat ICT like a clinical system: a documented and tested continuity, protection and recovery plan that includes cyber incident response; backups you can restore; antivirus and firewalls; offsite/cloud backup; and a process to tell patients if their personal information is breached. Name someone responsible for electronic security (and an internal digital-governance lead if that person is a contractor). Digital communications and social media must protect privacy. Have procedures for storage, retention and destruction of digital and paper records. Telling patients which communication products you use to support care is aspirational (F8.F).
Key indicators
- F8.A ICT continuity, protection and recovery plan.
- Includes a cyber security incident response plan; backup log; up-to-date antivirus and hardware/software firewalls; secure offsite or cloud backup and ability to restore; procedures to inform patients of a data breach affecting their personal information.
- F8.B Secure electronic systems and ICT.
- Named person (team member or contractor) with primary responsibility; if a contractor, also a team member with primary responsibility for digital governance; privacy policy covers storage of and access to health information, including remote access if applicable.
- F8.C Digital communications used in a way that protects privacy of patients and the practice team.
- F8.D Social media used in a way that protects privacy of patients and the practice team.
- F8.E Procedures for storage, retention and destruction of records (digital and hard copy).
- F8.F Inform patients about the digital communication tools used to support their care. Aspirational
- Inform patients about communication products or platforms used between the practice and patients to support care.
F9
Confidentiality and privacy of health and other information
Patients expect I expect that my health information held by this practice is secure and confidential, and I am promptly notified if a data breach occurs.
What this means in clinic
Health information is sensitive personal information under the Australian Privacy Principles. Tell patients how you manage it. Name a privacy lead. Keep a privacy policy consistent with the APPs and make sure the team follows it. Electronic communication about patients needs a secure message system or other encryption unless the patient has given informed consent to send without that protection. Unique logins and role-based access to the clinical system; prescription pads and letterhead locked away. Tell patients about data-breach protocols.
Key indicators
- F9.A Manage health information securely and confidentially.
- Inform patients how personal health information is managed (security, confidentiality, access); named privacy lead; privacy policy consistent with the APPs, communicated to patients; team understands and implements it; secure messaging or encryption unless informed consent to send without protection; inform patients of data-breach protocols.
- F9.B Policy and procedure so only authorised team members can access the clinical information system, prescription forms and other official documents.
- Unique individual identification and access according to authorisation; privacy policy describes how access levels are determined; securely store official documents including prescription forms, templates and letterhead.
F10
Digital health technologies
Patients expect I expect that digital health technologies provided by this practice are easy to access and use; secure and regularly assessed; and my consent is obtained prior to use.
What this means in clinic
“Digital health technologies” in the extract means tools used to deliver care remotely or enhance in-person care: telehealth, apps, patient portals, remote monitoring, secure messaging. Get informed consent when they are used in a patient’s care. Have a documented process to assess, cost, implement and manage them, including impact on the practice, team and patients. Give the team access to technical expertise. RACGP’s telephone and video consultation guide is the companion document.
Key indicators
- F10.A Use digital health technologies safely and securely.
- Processes for informed consent when using digital health technologies; documented process for assessing, costing, implementing and managing them (including potential impacts); team access to collaboration with technical experts.
F11
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Patients expect I expect that this practice asks for my consent to use artificial intelligence, explains how it will be used to provide me with care, and ensures my safety and privacy.
What this means in clinic
If you use AI (including scribes, decision support, admin automation), it has to be safe, secure and consistent with existing standards. Document informed consent when aspects of care will be delivered using AI; de-identify/anonymise patient data unless identified data is clinically necessary, authorised, and under documented governance and consent; clinicians stay accountable for care decisions; patients can withdraw consent. Assess and evaluate AI before and after implementation, with a way for patients and the team to question or override outputs. Watch for disproportionate harm to vulnerable groups and respect Indigenous data sovereignty. Confirm vendors meet the Privacy Act and APPs. Practices remain responsible even when a third party supplies the tool.
Key indicators
- F11.A Where the practice uses AI, it does so safely and securely and consistent with existing standards.
- Obtain and document informed consent when aspects of care will be delivered using AI; deidentify/anonymise when AI processes patient data; identified data only if clinically necessary, authorised, and supported by governance and consent; discuss implementation with the team (implications and training); governance including accountability and legislation; processes supporting clinical oversight of AI outputs; clinical team members are accountable for care decisions supported by AI.
- F11.B Assess and evaluate use of AI.
- Assess and evaluate including risk mitigation prior to implementation; monitor, review and QI so tools deliver safe high-quality care and mitigate unintended consequences.
Clinical governance
Records, identification, follow-up, infection control, equipment, vaccines and research.
CG1
Clinical information systems
Patients expect I expect my digital health information is managed, kept up-to-date and available when my care provider needs it, or I request it.
What this means in clinic
Use a digital clinical information system for patient health information. If more than one system is in play (for example a second product some doctors type into), each system still needs an up-to-date health summary, and a record of each consultation or interaction that says where the full notes live. You do not have to duplicate entire consult notes in both systems.
Key indicators
- CG1.A Use a digital clinical information system to manage patient health information.
- If more than one digital CIS is used: up-to-date patient health summaries in each system, and records of each consultation or interaction in each patient health record, including where the clinical notes are recorded.
CG2
Patient identification
Patients expect I expect I am correctly identified by this practice.
What this means in clinic
Use a minimum of three approved identifiers each time a patient engages with the practice, and match them to the correct record. Approved identifiers in the extract: name (family and given names together count as one), date of birth, address, Medicare or DVA number, individual phone number. Ask the patient for identifiers rather than reading theirs out for them to confirm. Same three-identifier rule on telehealth. Wrong identity can be life-threatening — including parent and child who share a name and address.
Key indicators
- CG2.A Use a minimum of three approved patient identifiers to correctly match each patient to their health record.
- Approved identifiers: name (family and given names together are one identifier); date of birth; address; Medicare or DVA number; individual phone number.
CG3
Facilitating complete patient health records
Patients expect I expect my digital health information is managed, kept up-to-date and available when my care provider needs it, or I request it.
What this means in clinic
Active patient records (glossary: attended three or more times in the past two years) need coded identification, contacts, next of kin and emergency contact, plus Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status in a codable field. Notes must be sufficient for the next clinician: assessment, follow-up from previous visits, and relevant safeguarding information. Health summaries in coded fields include ADRs, current problems, family history, SNAP risk factors, immunisations, allergies, past history and social history — and 100% of active records document known allergies or “no known allergies”. Keep a current medicines list and put it in referral letters. Shared decisions and discussions of benefits/risks (including refusal of advice) go in the record. All patient contact attempts and patient-initiated contact are recorded. Collecting ethnicity, birth sex, gender and preferred pronouns in coded fields is aspirational (CG3.J).
Key indicators
- CG3.A Active patient health records contain all required demographic and identification details in codable fields.
- Code, for each active patient: identification details, contact details, next of kin, emergency contact information.
- CG3.B Routinely record Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status of patients in a codable field.
- CG3.C A patient health records system that allows clinicians to record consultations and clinical-related communications.
- CG3.D Records contain sufficient information documenting consultations and clinical-related communications.
- Document initial assessment; sufficient information for consultations and related communications; matters followed up from previous consultations; relevant safeguarding information when provided by the patient or a lawful authority and needed for safe communication or continuity.
- CG3.E CIS facilitates recording each patient’s current health summary in codable fields.
- Codeable health summary: adverse drug reactions; current health problems; family history; health/lifestyle risk factors (smoking, nutrition, alcohol, physical activity); immunisations; known allergies; past health history; social history. All (100%) of active patient health records document known allergies or that the patient has no known allergies in a codable field.
- CG3.F Clinical team keeps an accurate and current medicines list in each patient health record.
- Include the accurate current medicines list in patient referral letters.
- CG3.G Support the clinical team to involve patients in shared decisions about their care.
- Provide shared decision-making information and resources; identify and respect preferences; document shared decision making and that individual treatment plans are developed, monitored, reassessed and modified with the patient and/or caregiver.
- CG3.H Clinical team discuss, document and provide information on purpose, importance, benefits, risks and side effects of proposed investigations, referrals, diagnosis, treatment options, management, a patient’s refusal to follow significant clinician advice, and the process when a patient has refused treatment, advice or a procedure.
- CG3.I Practice team record all communications with patients.
- Record attempts to contact or successful contact; patient-initiated contact including reason and advice given; when a translation service was used, including relevant contact details of the service.
- CG3.J Active patient health record facilitates collection, where relevant, of ethnicity, birth sex, gender and preferred pronouns in codable fields. Aspirational
CG4
Provision of clinical and medicines guidelines
Patients expect I expect this practice provides and ensures access to current information and evidence-based guidelines to the clinical team to facilitate best practice healthcare.
What this means in clinic
Clinicians need current evidence-based medicines information (purpose, benefits, risks) and a process when a suspected medicines-related issue is identified. They also need current clinical and emergency guidelines. Support environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient clinical practice (the extract notes healthcare’s carbon and waste footprint, and that choosing treatments wisely reduces it). Support the team and patients to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing — antimicrobial resistance is named as a growing global health issue.
Key indicators
- CG4.A Clinical team has access to current, evidence-based medicines information.
- Including purpose, importance, benefits and risks of medicines; processes for responding when a healthcare provider or patient identifies a suspected medicines-related issue.
- CG4.B Clinical team has access to current, evidence-based clinical and emergency guidelines that help diagnose and manage patients.
- CG4.C Support the clinical team to adopt environmentally sustainable and climate resilient clinical practices.
- Provide access to information, resources and/or strategies for environmentally sustainable clinical practices.
- CG4.D Support the clinical team and patients to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.
- Information and resources for the clinical team and for patients.
Patients expect I expect that this practice communicates with other healthcare services and that my health information is securely transferred in a timely way when requested or authorised by me.
What this means in clinic
Handover is a major safety risk (delayed treatment, missed results, repeated tests, medication errors). Have processes to coordinate care with other services, share information in line with the APPs, use referral templates that contain the information RACGP’s referral guidance requires, and cover expected or unexpected leave (a buddy system is defined in the glossary). When a valid authorised request arrives, transfer relevant health information promptly and securely, with consent, as described in the privacy policy.
Key indicators
- CG5.A Processes that facilitate timely transitions of care.
- Support consumers when coordinating care with other health services; collaborate internally and externally; document and share information in accordance with the APPs; referral templates containing required information; process for handover when a clinician takes expected or unexpected leave. Clinical team keep copies of referrals that are legible and contain all required information.
- CG5.B In response to authorised, valid requests, transfer relevant patient health information in a timely and secure manner.
- Facilitate transfer when requested by the patient, authorised caregiver or a GP in the practice; obtain consent; privacy policy addresses timely, authorised, secure transfer.
Patients expect I expect that this practice has systems in place to notify me of results. This includes quick and effective communication of high-risk results, so I know what action is recommended.
What this means in clinic
Every result, report and letter that comes in is reviewed, notated (electronically or signed on paper), acted on where required, and filed. Recall is for clinically significant results — document each attempt to contact. Reminders are proactive prompts for routine/preventive care. Have a process when results never arrive. Patients should be told how results are handled. High-risk (seriously abnormal and life-threatening) results outside opening hours need a written process and the diagnostic service needs after-hours contact details for the responsible practitioner or delegate.
Key indicators
- CG6.A Act on all clinical information received regarding patients in a timely manner.
- System for GPs to review, notate, act upon and incorporate clinical information; follow-up systems for recalling patients with clinically significant results, documenting each contact attempt; process when results/investigations have not been provided; initiation, management and documentation of reminders; educate the team so they can explain results processes. Pathology, imaging, investigation reports and clinical correspondence are reviewed, electronically notated or signed/initialled, acted on where required, and incorporated into the record.
- CG6.B A system to manage high-risk (seriously abnormal and life-threatening) results identified outside normal opening hours.
- Policy for after-hours high-risk results; main diagnostic services have contact details of the practitioner responsible outside hours (ordering practitioner, delegate, or after-hours service).
CG7
Managing clinical risks and incidents
Patients expect I expect that clinical risks are properly reported, investigated and documented, and that improvements are made to reduce risk.
What this means in clinic
Have a clinical risk management system that identifies, monitors, mitigates and evaluates clinical risks. When significant clinical incidents and near misses (including patient safety incidents) happen, monitor, identify, respond, report and improve the processes. This sits alongside F7 support for staff involved in those incidents.
Key indicators
- CG7.A A clinical risk management system that identifies, monitors, mitigates and evaluates clinical risks in the practice.
- CG7.B Monitor, identify, respond to, report on, and improve processes related to significant clinical incidents and near misses, including patient safety incidents.
Patients expect I expect members of this practice team to be immunised according to guidelines to reduce risk to the health of the team and consumers.
What this means in clinic
The practice team is encouraged to obtain immunisations recommended by the current Australian Immunisation Handbook, based on their duties and immunisation status. This is about reducing risk to team and patients — not a blanket “everyone must have every vaccine” invented here; follow the Handbook and the official criterion guidance.
Key indicators
- CG8.A Practice team is encouraged to obtain immunisations recommended by the current edition of the Australian Immunisation Handbook based on their duties and immunisation status.
CG9
Infection prevention and control, including reprocessing
Patients expect I expect that this practice uses current evidence-based Australian systems to protect me from infections.
What this means in clinic
A written, practice-specific infection-control policy based on current Australian guidelines, communicated to patients, and used by the whole team. Name a clinical-team infection prevention and control coordinator (role in their job description; team knows who they are). Manage cross-infection with standard and transmission-based precautions, PPE, and safe sharps/clinical waste. Tell patients about respiratory hygiene; provide sanitiser, tissues, masks for respiratory symptoms, and soap and water after the toilet. If you reprocess reusable devices, follow RACGP Infection prevention and control guidelines or another model meeting the current Australian standard, and be able to trace sterilisation load numbers to relevant patients.
Key indicators
- CG9.A Written, practice-specific policy outlining infection control processes.
- Up to date and based on current evidence-based Australian guidelines and standards; communicate the policy with patients; all team members aware of and implement it.
- CG9.B At least one member of the clinical team has the roles and responsibilities of infection prevention and control coordinator.
- Primary responsibility for infection control and use of sterile equipment; responsibilities documented in their job description; team knows who they are.
- CG9.C All team members manage risks of cross-infection in line with current evidence-based Australian guidelines and standards.
- Standard and transmission-based precautions; access to PPE; safely store and dispose of sharps and clinical waste.
- CG9.D Patients are informed about appropriate precautionary techniques to prevent transmission of communicable diseases.
- Including respiratory hygiene; access to alcohol-based hand sanitiser and tissues; masks for patients with respiratory symptoms; soap and water after using the toilet.
- CG9.E If the practice reprocesses reusable medical devices, it does so in accordance with RACGP’s Infection prevention and control guidelines or another model that meets the current Australian standard.
- CG9.F The record of sterilisation load numbers from the sterile barrier system can be traced to relevant patients.
CG10
Practice environment
Patients expect I expect that this practice provides my care in an environment that is clean, hygienic and ensures privacy.
What this means in clinic
The physical environment has to accommodate safe, quality care — clean, hygienic, and private enough for consultations. Check the official CG10 guidance for how surveyors look at waiting areas, consult rooms and privacy; do not treat this unofficial card as the full environmental checklist.
Key indicators
- CG10.A The practice environment accommodates the provision of safe, quality care.
Patients expect I expect this practice has and maintains the equipment and medicines to provide the care I need, and the clinical team can use them safely.
What this means in clinic
You need equipment for comprehensive primary care, emergency care and resuscitation, plus a doctor’s bag for visits and off-site emergencies. Each required item is maintained, calibrated annually, stored to the manufacturer’s instructions, easily accessible and in working order. The extract’s equipment tables did not render in the text file — use the official RACGP CG11 page for the required practice equipment list and doctor’s bag contents; do not guess the list. The clinical team is educated to use equipment safely for their role. Timely access to a spirometer is required (it does not have to live in every room). Medicines, samples and consumables follow manufacturers’ directions and the law for acquire/store/administer/supply/dispose.
Key indicators
- CG11.A Equipment that enables comprehensive primary care, emergency care and resuscitation.
- All required equipment listed in the official RACGP criterion (practice equipment and doctor’s bag tables) is maintained, calibrated annually, stored according to manufacturer’s instructions, easily accessible and in working order at all times.
- CG11.B Members of the clinical team can use the practice’s clinical equipment safely and effectively.
- Document that they have been provided with education on safe use relevant to their role.
- CG11.C Timely access to a spirometer.
- CG11.D Medicines, samples and medical consumables are acquired, stored, administered, supplied and disposed of in accordance with manufacturers’ directions and relevant laws.
CG12
Maintaining vaccine potency
Patients expect I expect that this practice stores and delivers vaccines safely and effectively in line with current guidelines.
What this means in clinic
Cold chain means keeping vaccines at 2–8°C from manufacturer to injection (glossary). You need a written, practice-specific cold-chain policy and a named person with primary responsibility for cold chain. Follow current national immunisation storage guidance; this card does not replace the Strive for 5 / national vaccine storage requirements.
Key indicators
- CG12.A Written, practice-specific policy that outlines its cold chain processes.
- CG12.B At least one member of the practice team has primary responsibility for cold chain management.
Patients expect I expect that this practice asks for my consent for research, gives me the choice to opt out, and ensures all ethics and approvals are in place.
What this means in clinic
If the practice or team takes part in research, it needs appropriate HREC approval, records, protocol compliance, and an agreement with the research institution where patients are involved. Confirm indemnity matches the risk. Identifiable data goes to a third party only with consent or if legislation requires it; declining research must not affect care. Deidentified data for research or other secondary use needs a formal data-sharing agreement, best-practice data management, information to patients, and a chance to opt out.
Key indicators
- CG13.A Any research the practice and/or practice team participates in has been approved by an appropriate Human Research Ethics Committee.
- For research involving patients: keep evidence of ethics approval; maintain records of research activity; comply with the protocol; evidence of an agreement between the practice and the research institution.
- CG13.B If the practice conducts research, confirm appropriate indemnity is in place based on the level of risk.
- CG13.C Share identifiable patient health information for research with a third party only with patient consent or if required by legislation.
- Document consent in the health record; inform patients that declining will not affect care; allow refusal of identifiable data provision; privacy policy specifies how information is used in research.
- CG13.D Share deidentified patient health information for research with a third party only in accordance with legal obligations and ethical responsibilities.
- Formal data sharing agreement or contract; parties demonstrate data-management best practice; information on secondary use to patients; opportunity to opt out of providing data for secondary uses.
Patient participation
Information, communication, cultural safety, consent, access, complaints and after hours.
PP1
Information about your practice
Patients expect I expect that practice information is easy for me to access and understand and provided at the time I need it.
What this means in clinic
Patients and other consumers can get up-to-date information they need about the practice — who you are, how to book, fees, after-hours, and similar operational facts — when they need it and in a form they can understand. Put the details on the official PP1 page rather than inventing a poster checklist here.
Key indicators
- PP1.A Consumers can access up-to-date information they need about the practice.
Patients expect I expect that this practice coordinates its communication with me so that I can access and understand the information I receive to support and enhance my care.
What this means in clinic
Talk with consumers in a way that supports timely, effective care and partnership. Communication systems tell people to call 000 in an emergency. Digital communication, if used, should enhance care. If you use social media, same rule — enhance care, not leak privacy (see F8.D).
Key indicators
- PP2.A Members of the practice team communicate with consumers in a manner that supports timely and effective care/partnerships.
- PP2.B Practice communication systems advise consumers to call 000 in case of an emergency.
- PP2.C The practice uses digital communication systems to enhance patient care.
- PP2.D If the practice uses social media, it does so in a way that enhances patient care.
PP3
Respectful, culturally appropriate and culturally safe care
Patients expect I expect to be treated in a respectful way that considers my cultural background and individual choices.
What this means in clinic
Respect patients’ rights, tell them their rights and responsibilities, and provide person-centred care without the team’s personal beliefs getting in the way. Facilitate culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients — cultural safety is determined by those patients, families and communities, and is tied to clinical safety. Ahpra-registered practitioners have an obligation to promote culturally safe care free from bias and racism. Understand the demographics of your patient population.
Key indicators
- PP3.A The practice recognises and respects the rights, diversity and individuality of all patients.
- Consider and respect patients’ rights; inform patients of their rights and responsibilities; facilitate culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients; recognise diversity and provide respectful person-centred care.
Patients expect I expect that the risks, benefits and alternatives of treatment are explained to me in a way I can understand and then choose to consent to or reject. I expect that this practice asks for my consent when an additional person is introduced into a consultation.
What this means in clinic
Have processes so clinicians obtain and document informed consent for procedures and treatments. If the practice arranges a third person in the room (chaperone, student, interpreter, AI scribe as a third party — see F11/F10), document the patient’s consent to that presence.
Key indicators
- PP4.A Processes to obtain and document informed consent for clinical procedures and treatments.
- PP4.B Processes to obtain and document informed consent for when a third party is present.
- Facilitate documentation of the patient’s consent to the presence of a third party arranged by the practice.
PP5
Accessibility of services
Patients expect I expect that I can access services that meet my needs, regardless of my abilities.
What this means in clinic
All patients, including those with disability, can access services. Infrastructure and processes need to enable patients with disabilities or impairment to use the practice. The extract points to the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. This is physical access plus processes (booking, information, communication), not only a ramp.
Key indicators
- PP5.A All of the practice’s patients, including those with disability, can access services from the practice.
- Infrastructure and processes that enable patients with disabilities or impairment to access its services.
PP6
Health promotion and preventive care
Patients expect I expect that this practice provides me with preventive health information and information on all issues relevant to my healthcare. I expect that this practice provides me with information about my health, treatment and care choices in a way I can understand to make decisions that are right for me.
What this means in clinic
Give patients relevant information on preventive care, illness prevention and health promotion, and document those discussions in the health record. Also share information about environmental issues relevant to the healthcare they receive (heat, air quality, medications with environmental impact — only as relevant; do not invent a lecture).
Key indicators
- PP6.A Provide patients with relevant information about preventive care, illness prevention and health promotion.
- Members of the clinical team document in the patient’s health record discussions about these topics.
- PP6.B Share information with patients about environmental issues relevant to the healthcare they receive.
PP7
Open disclosure and complaints
Patients expect I expect that this practice manages and responds openly to complaints in a timely manner.
What this means in clinic
Apply the Australian Open Disclosure Framework when things go wrong. Complaints (any expression of dissatisfaction — verbal or written) get a timely acknowledgement, a documented complaints process, a complaints register, and information for consumers on how to escalate outside the practice.
Key indicators
- PP7.A The practice applies the Australian Open Disclosure Framework.
- PP7.B Use a complaints management process to respond to complaints in a timely way.
- Acknowledge receipt of each complaint to the complainant in a reasonable time; maintain a complaints management process, a complaints register, and practice information for consumers on how to escalate.
Patients expect I expect that this practice engages consumers in a proactive, ongoing and meaningful way to gain feedback on their experiences, and uses these insights to improve care.
What this means in clinic
Use formal and informal engagement to improve care, and tell consumers how you responded to feedback. This is more than a suggestion box that nobody reads.
Key indicators
- PP8.A Engage with consumers to monitor, review and improve care.
- Formal and informal engagement; inform consumers how the practice has responded to feedback and used it to improve care.
PP9
Responsive system for patient care
Patients expect I expect that this practice provides a variety of appointment types based on my current healthcare need.
What this means in clinic
Triage so urgency of need drives who is seen first. A named clinician owns triage training, including how to identify patients with urgent medical need. Offer a variety of consultation types, and tell patients how they can access care when they cannot attend in person (telehealth and similar — still subject to F10 consent and safety).
Key indicators
- PP9.A A triage system for prioritising patient care.
- Prioritise patients according to urgency of need; a member of the clinical team has primary responsibility for training the practice team in triage, including how to identify patients with an urgent medical need.
- PP9.B Patients can access different consultation types to accommodate their needs.
- Provide a variety of consultation types; information about how to access care when unable to attend in person.
PP10
Care when the practice is not open
Patients expect I expect to find information about alternative ways to access care when this practice is closed.
What this means in clinic
Consumers are told how to access synchronous care (real-time, not a recorded message as the only option) from clinicians who meet Australian health professional obligations when you are closed. That includes after-hours deputising, emergency departments, or your own after-hours roster — whatever you actually use, it must be explained. Glossary: after-hours is care outside normal opening hours, whether or not on site.
Key indicators
- PP10.A Consumers are informed how to access synchronous care that is provided by clinicians who meet Australian health professional obligations when the practice is not open.
Point of care testing
Optional standard if the practice performs PoCT and seeks assessment against it.
This standard is optional. It is for practices that perform point-of-care testing and want that work assessed. PoCT devices used in Australia generally need to be included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Follow manufacturers’ TGA-approved instructions. The eight PoCT criteria cover why you test, who is responsible, training, facilities, how tests are done, records, quality control, and external quality assurance.
- Not required for ordinary general practice accreditation if you do not seek PoCT accreditation.
- If you do seek it: all required PoCT criteria plus all other mandatory Standards criteria, assessed by an NGPA-approved agency.
- PoCT6.B (nationally recognised coding of PoCT results) is aspirational.
Patients expect I expect that this practice follows evidence-based processes to ensure my safety when suggesting and performing point of care testing.
What this means in clinic
Know why each PoCT is done, based on best-practice evidence. Analytical performance specifications are set by those clinical purposes. Use evidence-based, regularly reviewed reference intervals or clinical decision limits. Record and review adverse and non-conformance events so risk to patients falls and quality rises.
Key indicators
- PoCT1.A The practice team can describe the clinical and diagnostic purposes of PoCT based on best practice evidence, and how it can be applied.
- Describe clinical and diagnostic purposes; those purposes are evidence-based.
- PoCT1.B Specifications for analytical performance of PoCT are determined by the relevant clinical and diagnostic purposes.
- PoCT1.C Use reference data based on best practice evidence, regularly reviewed, to interpret test results.
- Reference intervals and/or clinical decision limits.
- PoCT1.D Processes that minimise risk to patients and improve the quality of PoCT.
- Record and address adverse and non-conformance events; document review and outcome.
PoCT2
Clinical responsibility
Patients expect I expect that this practice takes responsibility for safe and quality delivery of point of care testing.
What this means in clinic
Name at least one member of the clinical team with overall primary responsibility for implementation, conduct, quality and accreditation of PoCT.
Key indicators
- PoCT2.A At least one member of the clinical team has primary responsibility for the quality of PoCT.
- Overall primary responsibility for implementation, conduct, quality and accreditation of PoCT.
PoCT3
Qualifications, education and training of PoCT practitioners
Patients expect I expect that practitioners at this practice understand their role and have up-to-date training to perform point of care testing.
What this means in clinic
Anyone who performs PoCT has successfully completed training and takes part in updates. The practice can show competency and regular training and education.
Key indicators
- PoCT3.A Members of the practice team who perform PoCT have successfully undertaken training and participate in training and education updates.
- Evidence of competency; evidence of regular training and education.
PoCT4
Facilities for testing
Patients expect I expect that this practice provides point of care testing in an environment that is clean, private, and uses equipment and consumables in line with manufacturer’s guidelines.
What this means in clinic
Collecting, testing and telling results happens in a safe area with visual and auditory privacy. Instruments and consumables live in appropriate space, lighting, power, security and ambient temperature, with records of consumables.
Key indicators
- PoCT4.A Testing in a safe environment that ensures patient privacy.
- Specimen collection, testing and result communication in a safe area where patients’ visual and auditory privacy is ensured.
- PoCT4.B Instruments and consumables are located and managed to optimise performance.
- Testing area with appropriate space, lighting, power, security and ambient temperature; records of consumables.
PoCT5
Performance of tests
Patients expect I expect that this practice performs point of care testing in line with manufacturer’s guidelines and results are communicated in an understandable and timely manner.
What this means in clinic
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions (TGA-approved). Check accuracy of data transfer and transcription. Record and communicate results to the responsible clinician and the patient in a timely way, and act on them. Investigate errors and deviations. Specimens stay positively identified with the patient throughout. Document technical-support arrangements. Commission and maintain equipment to manufacturer instructions, with records of installation, repairs, maintenance and a failure log.
Key indicators
- PoCT5.A Follow the manufacturers’ instructions for PoCT.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for each test method; check accuracy of transfers of data and transcription of results.
- PoCT5.B Record and communicate results appropriately.
- Record and communicate to the responsible clinician and the patient in a timely manner; results are acted upon appropriately.
- PoCT5.C Identify and review errors and deviations.
- Record and investigate deviations appropriately.
- PoCT5.D Specimens remain positively identified with patients throughout the testing process.
- Clearly identify patient specimens retained for any purpose.
- PoCT5.E Documented requirements for PoCT technical support services.
- Ongoing arrangements with providers of technical support services.
- PoCT5.F Commission and maintain PoCT equipment in accordance with each manufacturer’s instructions.
- Records of installation, major repairs and commissioning; maintenance by appropriately trained operators; maintenance records; log of failures and investigations.
Patients expect I expect that my results from point of care testing are included in my health record.
What this means in clinic
PoCT results go into the patient’s health record, including who performed the test and the date. Using a nationally recognised coding system to record those results is aspirational (PoCT6.B).
Key indicators
- PoCT6.A Record PoCT results in the patient’s health records.
- Keep PoCT records, including who performed the tests and the date.
- PoCT6.B Facilitate recording of PoCT results using a nationally recognised coding system. Aspirational
- This criterion is aspirational. The practice could use a CIS that facilitates coding of PoCT in patient health information.
PoCT7
Quality control procedures
Patients expect I expect that this practice has processes in place to ensure the quality of all point of care testing.
What this means in clinic
Quality-control procedures keep PoCT functioning optimally. They need to comply with manufacturers’ recommendations and applicable regulations. Standard operating procedures or work instructions include acceptable QC, and you follow them.
Key indicators
- PoCT7.A Use quality control procedures to ensure PoCT is functioning optimally.
- QC procedures comply with manufacturers' recommendations and applicable regulations; SOPs or work instructions include acceptable QC.
PoCT8
External quality assurance program
Patients expect I expect that this practice participates in an external quality system to monitor point of care testing, detect issues early, and act if needed.
What this means in clinic
Enrol all test methods and instruments in an approved external quality assurance program from an accredited provider. Keep records of participation, review the reports, and keep records of what you did about them.
Key indicators
- PoCT8.A Participate in an external quality assurance program.
- Enrol all test methods and instruments in an approved EQA program from an accredited provider; keep records of participation; review reports; keep records of actions.