Where do the Standards apply?
The Primary and Community Healthcare Standards apply to services that deliver health care in a primary and/or community setting. These services address the prevention, treatment and management of illness and injury, and the preservation of physical and mental wellbeing. They vary in size and modes of delivery and are carried out by a diverse range of healthcare providers.
Healthcare services directly involved in patient care are strongly encouraged to implement the Primary and Community Healthcare Standards.
Accreditation, where independent assessment of implementation occurs, is voluntary unless required to satisfy regulatory or contractual obligations. Accredited healthcare services will be able to display a certificate of accreditation and accreditation badge, which will be identifiable to the public.
If your healthcare service is accredited to a profession-specific standard, such as general practice and community pharmacy, these should align with the Primary and Community Healthcare Standards. This will ensure a nationally consistent approach and give patients and consumers confidence they are accessing safe and high-quality health care, wherever health care is delivered.
For more information and resources about the Primary and Community Healthcare Standards, including assessment and accreditation, visit the Commission’s website.