Victoria - Public Hospitals Policy and Funding Guidelines 1997-1998
Section A: Policy
6.1 Accreditation and
Quality Assurance
The Department introduced incentive funding for hospitals achieving or pursuing accreditation with the introduction of casemix funding. This funding was originally for accreditation through the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS), however in 1996-97 this program was extended to include optional certification through ISO 9000. The Department is presently consulting with the Australian Quality Council to determine whether prescribed achievements in the Australian Quality Awards could also satisfy requirements for third party accreditation.
Currently 61 per cent of Victorian public acute hospitals are accredited. By the year 2000 accreditation will be mandatory for all hospitals providing public acute health services. Accreditation will also be required as a baseline indicator of quality in all future contracts with private providers who may be engaged in public service provision. Purchasing equity between the public and private sector is consistent with government policy objectives.
Incentive grants for accreditation/certification with either ACHS, ISO or other recognised programs will continue until the year 2000, at which time these grants will be reviewed.
To further facilitate the pursuit of third party accreditation and continuous improvement, a new funding scheme will be developed during 1997-98. Funds will be competitively allocated and priority given to :
- Projects linked to action plans related to non-conformance highlighted in accreditation surveys.
- Departmental priorities such as infection control, clinical risk management and patient satisfaction.
In mandating accreditation, consideration must be given to the Department's response in the event that agencies fail to achieve accreditation. This response will be based upon the following principles:
- The agency will be provided with the opportunity to address non-conformance.
- A process will be established to refer the agency to professional bodies if appropriate.
- The outcome may be informed by further investigation and/or third party review if appropriate.
- The outcome should not disadvantage community access to public services.
The Department will sponsor a series of forums to enhance understanding and implications of this policy as well as outline available third party accreditation programs.
To:
Top of Section 6
Quality DevelopmentsTo:
Victoria - Public Hospitals
Policy and Funding Guidelines
1997-1998 - Table of Contents
