Standards and accreditation updates

The Commission , in consultation with the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council (NPAAC), has released a new advisory on the structured reporting of COVID‑19 text message results.

To clarify the expected requirements (data elements) for structured reporting of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results to consumers via text message.

The Commission is publishing the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards – Guide for service providers.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create challenges for the health system. In some instances, this may impact the ability of hospitals and day procedure services to participate in on-site accreditation assessments to the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create challenges for the Australian health system. In some instances, this may impact the ability of general practices to participate in on-site accreditation assessments to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Standards for general practice 5th edition.

The National Clinical Trials Governance Framework (Governance Framework) and recommendations for implementation were endorsed by all jurisdictions in February 2022.

Read the December 2021 issue of NSQHS Standards News.

To advise diagnostic imaging practices of the requirements for Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme (DIAS) Standard 2.2: Consumer Consent and Information Standard. Specifically, the consent requirements for:

• The administration of radiopharmaceuticals for nuclear medicine imaging procedures
• Transvaginal and transrectal ultrasound procedures

To advise diagnostic imaging practices of the requirements for Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme Standard 1.6: Health-care Associated Infection. Specifically, the requirements for high-level disinfection of semi-critical reusable medical devices in diagnostic imaging.