AGED CARE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Transcription

1 AGED CARE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Edition 1 RABQSA International Qualification-Based Personnel Certification Scheme

2 RABQSA International, Inc (RABQSA) is accredited by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ) as meeting the requirements of the international standard for personnel certification bodies, ISO/IEC 17024:2003 General requirements for bodies operating the certification of persons. This qualification-based scheme is not included under RABQSA s scope of accreditation with JAS-ANZ. Disclaimer While every effort is made to ensure that the process for evaluating applications for certification is effective, RABQSA International Inc does not accept liability for the performance, conduct or services provided by the certified person. Copyright RABQSA International, Inc This scheme and associated Intellectual Property is subject to RABQSA International, Inc Copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of application, review or reference, as permitted under the Australian and United States of America Copyright Acts, no part of this Scheme may be reproduced by any process without the written permission of the Chief Executive Officer of RABQSA International, Inc. RABQSA International, Inc Please see the website for your Principal Office s contact details. Website: info@rabqsa.com PAGE 2

3 Index SECTION PAGE Introduction 4 How To Use This Document 5 Certification Overview 6 Knowledge Requirements 7 Qualifications and Work Experience 8 Submit Application Form and Fees 11 Police Clearance 12 Examination of Personal Attributes 13 Certification Fees 14 Certificates and ID Cards 15 Re-certification 16 Expansion 18 Annex A: Scopes of Certification 19 Annex B: General Definitions and Abbreviations 20 Annex C: Terms and Conditions of Certification 21 Annex D: Fees Schedule 24 Annex E: Transition Arrangements 26 Annex F: Application Form Example 27 Annex G: Summary of Certification Requirements 31 PAGE 3

4 Introduction This Aged Care Professional Scheme has been developed by RABQSA International, Inc (RABQSA) for the recognition of Professional s using the Aged Care Principles from the Department of Health and Ageing Aged Care Act 1997 to conduct consultancy audits at residential aged care facilities. Consultancy audits prepare the residential aged care facility for desk audits, site audits and review audits against Accreditation Standards conducted by Registered Aged Care Assessors. The RABQSA Aged Care Professional Certification Requirements determine an Applicant s qualifications to perform consultancy audits. The requirements outline specific knowledge, qualifications, industry experience, and personal attributes that must be demonstrated for RABQSA Certification. In addition to the certification requirements, separate Scopes have been developed to recognize a professionals qualifications and experience working with diverse cultures and communities; and professional experience of medication management, lodgment examinations, and facility management. Details of the additional requirements for these Scopes are included as Annex A page 19 in this document. This scheme has been developed to meet the following key objectives: To ensure that Aged Care Professionals are assessed as qualified to perform consultancy audits; To ensure Aged Care Professionals meet, at a minimum, the requirements of the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency s Assessor requirements; To assist residential aged care facilities in identifying qualified Professionals to conduct consultancy audits; and To enhance the professional recognition of the Aged Care Professional offering consultancy audit services. PAGE 4

5 How To Use This Document This document has been designed to provide the information required for RABQSA Aged Care Professional Certification, in a clear and easy-to-follow format. Applicants for certification to the Aged Care Professional scheme will be required to provide evidence of specific knowledge, relevant work experience and prescribed qualifications, and the ability to demonstrate defined personal attributes. An overview of the certification requirements is outlined in Annex G Page 31. Refer to Annex B Page 20 for General Definitions and Abbreviations used in this document. Certification as an Aged Care Professional, recognises that an Applicant has demonstrated the qualifications to conduct an examination of a residential aged care home against the Accreditation Standards and to perform consulting services for the development of management systems. Electronic versions of this document have links embedded to enable direct access to selected pages as well as page references. Hard copy versions have page references only. The Applicant follows the step-by-step process as outlined down the right hand side of the page, commencing with Knowledge Requirements at page 7. An EXAMPLE Application Form is available at Annex F on page 27. Application to this scheme is via the RABQSA website Apply Online page. Note: Matters requiring clarification and or additional guidance should be referred to the RABQSA Aged Care Professional Scheme Examiner. Please refer to the RABQSA website for contact details. PAGE 5

6 Applying for Aged Care Professional Certification 1. Knowledge Requirements The certification has requirements for knowledge that must be demonstrated. Details are provided on page Qualifications and Work Experience Requirements The certification has requirements for education and relevant work experience that must be demonstrated. Details are provided on page Application and Pay Application Fees For RABQSA to process your application it you must pay the Application Fees, which include payment for Application Submission, Personal Attribute Examination and AFP Clearance. Details are provided on page Police Clearance For RABQSA to complete your Police Clearance you will be required to complete the National Police Clearance Application. Details are provided on page Personal Attributes Examination Defined personal attributes are required to be assessed, on-line, by completing the e-based PAAS Master Examination. Details are provided on page Pay Certification Fee Upon successful completion of the certification evaluation, you will be required to pay your First Certification Fee before you received your certificate and ID card. Annual fees are applied each year thereafter until recertification. Details are provided on page Certificate and ID Card Issued Your Certificate and ID Card will be issued by mail to the address provided on your Application. Details are provided on page Re-Certification Every 3 years you will be required to provide evidence to confirm that you meet the re-certification requirements. Details are provided on page 16. NOW GO TO KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 6

7 Knowledge Requirements Knowledge Applicants for Aged Care Professional must provide evidence of knowledge attained through the successful completion an approved Aged Care Assessor Training course within 6 months of application. Qualifications and Work Experience The Aged Care Quality Assessor s Training Course is delivered by: Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Ltd PO Box 773 Parramatta NSW 2124 Australia Phone: course@accreditation.org.au Submit Application Form & Fees Police Clearance Personal Attribute Examination Pay Certification Fee Certificate & ID Card Issued Re-Certification NOW GO TO QUALIFICATIONS AND WORK EXPERIENCE PAGE 7

8 Qualifications and Work Experience Knowledge Applicants must provide evidence of qualifications defined by RABQSA in the following categories: Qualifications and Work Experience Education; Drivers License; Work Experience; Audit Experience; and Consulting Experience. Submit Application Form & Fees Evidence Education Applicants shall have a minimum of secondary education or national equivalent. Copies of certificates must be submitted with the Application. Police Clearance Drivers License All applicants must have a current Drivers License or Passport. A copy of your drivers license is to be submitted with your online Australian Federal Police (AFP) Application to RABQSA. See page 12 for further details. Evidence Work Experience Applicants must provide evidence of at least 2 years work experience in a carer, clinical, nursing or managerial position with direct residential aged care service responsibilities including the application of Quality of Care Principles; Accreditation Standards; Residential, and Community Care Standards as identified under the Aged Care Act This experience must have occurred within the four years prior to application. Personal Attribute Examination Pay Certification Fee Evidence of work experience must be verifiable and include: A statement that summarises your roles, responsibilities and achievements; Identifying employer, period of employment, job title and achievements; Qualifications including date attained. Copies of certificates must be submitted with the application; and Contact details of employers for verification. Certificate & ID Card Issued Re-Certification CONTINUED OVER PAGE PAGE 8

9 Qualifications and Work Experience (cont.) Knowledge Evidence Audit Experience Applicants shall demonstrate 10 audit days in accordance with the conditions for audit experience. Qualifications and Work Experience A minimum of 4 on site complete audits are required and any additional support contacts can be used to make up a total of 10 days activity. Included in the 10 audit days, an applicant must demonstrate at least 4 complete onsite audits. Submit Application Form & Fees Only eligible audit experience completed within the 3 years prior to application will be considered. Eligible audits shall be: Recorded in calendar days, not in man days; Not be less than 6 hours per day; and For the determination of a residential aged care facilities conformity to the Aged Care Accreditation Standards under the Aged Care Act. Audits that are combined with consulting activities can be used to meet the audit experience requirement for certification. Examples of audits include: Police Clearance Personal Attribute Examination Accreditation audits meaning: Desk audits; Review audits; Site audits; and Supplementary review audits. Consulting audits meaning: Audits where advice was given on an action plan for developing/improving the system as part of the audit; Audits where the auditor had a part in setting up the system; Audits where the auditor was involved in the on-going development of the system; and Audits and their subsequent development or action plans resulting from continuous improvement activities or improvement outlines from an Accreditation Application. Pay Certification Fee Certificate & ID Card Issued Re-Certification The RABQSA Audit Log is available on the RABQSA website at CONTINUED OVER PAGE PAGE 9

10 Qualifications and Work Experience (cont.) Knowledge Evidence Consulting Experience Applicants shall demonstrate 10 consulting days in accordance with the conditions for consulting experience. Qualifications and Work Experience A minimum of 4 on complete consulting projects are required any additional support contacts can be used to make up a total of 10 days activity. Only eligible consulting experience completed within the 3 years prior to application will be considered. Eligible consulting projects shall be: Recorded in calendar days, not in man days; Not be less than 6 hours per day; and For the establishment of a residential aged care facilities conformity to the Aged Care Accreditation Standards under the Aged Care Act Examples of consulting activities include: Advice given on an action plan for developing/improving the system; The on-going development of the system identified under the Aged Care Act 1997, meaning: Quality of Care Principles; Accreditation Standards; Residential Care Standards; Community Care Standards; and Continuous improvement. Development or action plans resulting from pre-audit activities with regards to the application for Accreditation ; and Development or action plans resulting from continuous improvement activities or improvement outlines from an Accreditation Application. Submit Application Form & Fees Police Clearance Personal Attribute Examination Pay Certification Fee Certificate & ID Card Issued Re-Certification The RABQSA Consulting Log is available on the RABQSA website at NOW GO TO SUBMIT APPLICATION PAGE 10

11 Submit Application Form and Fees Knowledge To apply for certification you will need to: the Application Form (Example found at Annex F Page 27), including confirmation to observe the RABQSA Code of Conduct; Submit this to RABQSA with the Application Fee; and Provide Evidence of your knowledge, qualifications and work experience. Note: Payments must be made in AU$. All fees include GST, are non-refundable and are subject to change without notice. Please refer to the fees listed on the website. To enable effective evaluation of Applications, RABQSA requires all Applicants to provide verifiable documentary evidence that demonstrates compliance with these certification requirements and for any scopes sought. Applicants must ensure that the information they provide in their application is accurate and complete, or delays may occur in the processing of their application. All application information must be provided in English. Where translations of documents are provided, these must be independently verified for accuracy. Qualifications and Work Experience Submit Application Form & Fees Police Clearance Personal Attribute Examination Applicants who have any special needs related to language and/or disabilities should contact RABQSA for assistance. SCOPES OF CERTIFICATION Applicants applying for Aged Care Professional Certification may be awarded Scopes of certification based on their qualifications to conduct specialized consulting audits. These scopes are: Medication Management; Cultural Care; Specialist Care; and Care Examination & management. Pay Certification Fee Certificate & ID Card Issued Re-Certification The decision on which scope are appropriate will be dependent on each applicants specialized qualifications (education, training and/or professional experience). Refer to Annex A Page 19 for an overview of the qualifications required for each scope of certification. It is possible to be awarded more than one scope. NOW GO TO COMPLETE AFP CLEARANCE PAGE 11

12 the Police Clearance Knowledge It is a Federal requirement that all persons working / employed in the Aged Care Industry must obtain an National Police Check (NPC) Clearance of their criminal history. Fees for the Police Clearance are submitted with the Application Fees for Certification. Qualifications and Work Experience RABQSA is unable to grant certification to any person who refuses permission to obtain Police Clearance. The Clearance Report will be provided to the applicant for his/her records once a final decision on certification is made. Statutory Declaration For applicants who have been citizens or permanent residents of another country other than Australia since turning 16 years of age, a Statutory Declaration is required to be provided. This Declaration is required in addition to the Clearance Report. Upon request, RABQSA will provide the Statutory Declaration form for the applicant to complete. Submit Application Form & Fees Police Clearance Conditions for Suitability A person is determined not suitable to be certified as an Aged Care Professional if there is a Clearance Report that records the person: Has been convicted of murder or sexual assault; or Has been convicted of, and sentenced to imprisonment for, any other form of assault. Personal Attribute Examination Any person with a conviction for the serious offences outlined above is deemed to be unsuitable and must not be certified as an Aged Care Professional. In addition, if the Clearance Report or Statutory Declaration records any other offence against people or property, the person may be considered as unsuitable for certification. In such cases the person will have the opportunity to provide additional information before the final determination on certification is made. Spent Convictions The Commonwealth, States and Territories have spent conviction schemes that allow former offenders to wipe the slate clean after a relevant period of time. Once a conviction has been spent a person is not required to disclose the conviction. Convictions considered spent will not be included in the Clearance Report unless the category of employment or purpose of application is considered exempt from relevant legislation. Pay Certification Fee Certificate & ID Card Issued Re-Certification Examination of Police Clearance Each applicant will be notified of the examination results, and will receive a copy of his/her Clearance Report. Evidence of a criminal conviction record that may be unrelated to any risk to aged care recipients will not automatically preclude a person from being or remaining certified. NOW GO TO COMPLETE PERSONAL ATTRIBUTE EXAMINATION PAGE 12

13 Examination of Personal Attributes Applicants are required to demonstrate the defined personal attributes through completion of the e-based PAAS Master examination. Personal Attributes Examination Fees are submitted with the Application Fees for Certification. Details to enable the completion of the PAAS Master examination will be provided to each Applicant when RABQSA receives his/her Application. Applicants must provide evidence they possess appropriate personal attributes, as shown below: Ethical Fair, truthful, sincere, honest and discreet; Proactive and organized Takes the initiative with issues, and is personally organized; Systematic Shows a balanced affiliation for both tasks and people; Logical Makes decisions based on facts and reasoned logic; Decisive Expedites decisions methodically; Observant Shows the ability to identify both patterns and exceptions in complex situations; Diplomatic Relates to others and shows tact in appropriate situations; Flexible Shows a balanced global and detail focus; Process focused Demonstrates the ability to follow a pre-determined method; People sensitive Is sensitive to and can identify a person s emotional state; Adaptable & Resourceful Adapts to, and works with, different types of people in a range of situations and copes with change; and Confident Demonstrates certainty and competency, and reacts well to a variety of challenges, i.e. demonstrates calm and poise in challenging situations. Knowledge Qualifications and Work Experience Submit Application Form & Fees Police Clearance Personal Attribute Examination Pay Certification Fee Certificate & ID Card Issued Re-Certification If an appropriate PAAS Master examination has been successfully completed within the three years prior to application, a further examination is not required. Applicants are required to note the details of the examination on the Application form. Further information on the PAAS Master examination is available on the RABQSA web site at NOW GO TO PAY CERTIFICATION FEE PAGE 13

14 Pay Certification Fee Knowledge When all Certification Requirements have been demonstrated, RABQSA will notify the Applicant that the Application has been approved. An invoice for the Certification Fee will be provided with this notification. Qualifications and Work Experience Details on accepted methods of payment are provided on the invoice. Payment of this invoice must be received by RABQSA before certification is confirmed. Applicant s are required to pay the Certification Fee within 30 days of receiving the certification invoice. Submit Application Form & Fees Note: Payments must be made in AU$. All fees include GST, are non-refundable and are subject to change without notice. Please refer to the fees listed on the website. Police Clearance Annual Fees Annual Certification Fees are due each year on the anniversary of first Certification. RABQSA will provide an invoice for the amount due approximately 2 months prior to the due date. Medication Management Certified Professionals holding the scope of Medication Management must submit a copy of the nurses registration with each annual fee. Failure to submit will result in the scope being removed from the Aged Care Professional s Certification. Personal Attribute Examination Pay Certification Fee Certificate & ID Card Issued Re-Certification NOW GO TO CERTIFICATE & ID CARD ISSUED PAGE 14

15 Certificate and ID Card Issued Knowledge When payment of the Certification Fee has been received by RABQSA, a Certificate and ID Card is issued. Qualifications and Work Experience The Certificate includes the following information: Certified Aged Care Professional s name; RABQSA customer number; Type of certification; Scope of certification awarded (if applicable); Date certification awarded; and Date certification expires. Submit Application Form & Fees Police Clearance The ID Card includes the following information: Certified Aged Care Professional's name; RABQSA customer number; Type of Certification; and Date certification expires. Personal Attribute Examination Updated Certificates and ID Cards will be issued at each re-certification. Note: The Certificate and ID Card remains the property of RABQSA and must be returned if certification is suspended or withdrawn. Aged Care Professionals are required to immediately notify RABQSA if a Certificate or ID Card is lost or stolen. Pay Certification Fee Certificate & ID Card Issued Re-Certification NOW GO TO RE-CERTIFICATION PAGE 15

16 Re-Certification Knowledge Re-Certification is required every 3 years on the anniversary date of initial certification. When re-certification requirements are not met by the recertification date the Aged Care Professional will be withdrawn. Upon the Re-Certification requirements being met the Aged Care Professional Certification will be reinstated. Qualifications and Work Experience Pay the Re-Certification Fee RABQSA will issue a Re-Certification invoice 2 months prior to Re-Certification date. It is a requirement of Re-Certification that the Fee is paid. For details on the Re-Certification Fees please see Submit Application Form & Fees Consultancy Audit Experience For Re-Certification, all Aged Care Professionals shall submit an RABQSA Audit Log demonstrating a total of 4 consultancy audits conducted in the last 3 years. Refer to Page 9 for details of acceptable consultancy audit experience. Police Clearance Personal Attributes Evidence of evaluation of personal attributes by successful completion of the RABQSA PAAS Master examination within the previous 3 years is required. An additional fee will apply for the RABQSA PAAS Master examination. Personal Attribute Examination Police Clearance Police Clearance will be performed on all certified Aged Care Professional s every 3 years. An additional fee will apply for the conduct of each Clearance. RABQSA will contact the Aged Care Professional s 3 months before a Clearance is required. Pay Certification Fee Medication Management Scope Certified Professionals holding the scope of Medication Management must submit a copy of the nurses registration with each annual fee. Failure to submit will result in the Medication Management scope being removed from the Aged Care Professional s Certification. Certificate & ID Card Issued Re-Certification CONTINUED OVER PAGE PAGE 16

17 Re-Certification (cont.) Knowledge Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Each Aged Care Professional is required to maintain a RABQSA Continuing Professional Development Log for recording details of professional development activities undertaken. Qualifications and Work Experience For Re-Certification, all Aged Care Professional s are required to undertake at least 45 hours of CPD which must be verified. CPD certificates must state the Aged Care Professional has successfully completed the competencies offered at the CPD activity. In the selection of appropriate professional development, Aged Care Professionals need to consider their personal strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for personal improvement. Professional development activities undertaken should be related to the field of work undertaken. All professional development activities should be new knowledge and skills. The RABQSA CPD Log is available on the RABQSA web site at Alternative CPD logs may be accepted if they provide all information required on the RABQSA CPD Log. The CPD log should show the duration and type of activity undertaken and details of the provider. Submit Application Form & Fees Police Clearance Personal Attribute Examination The following are examples of acceptable CPD activities: Participation in formal/short courses; Participation in in-house courses/workshops; Attendance at conferences, seminars and workshops; Attendance at Professional Body/Association meetings; Participation in relevant committees and working groups; Delivery of publicly presented papers; Preparation of published articles; Presenting a training course (only one time per re-certification period can be considered); and Developing new training course material. Pay Certification Fee Certificate & ID Card Issued Re-Certification NOW GO TO EXPANSION PAGE 17

18 Expansion of Certification Certified Aged Care Professionals can apply to expand their Scope of Certification at any time. To apply for an expansion of Certification, the Expansion Applicant is required to: the Expansion Application From (available on the RABQSA website); Submit to RABQSA with the Expansion Fee; and Provide evidence of the requirements for the Scope sought, as defined in Annex A. Where applying for more than one Scope in the same Application, only one Expansion Fee is required. Note: Payments must be made in AU$. All fees include GST, are non-refundable and are subject to change without notice. Please refer to the fees listed on the website. NOW GO TO SCOPES PAGE 18

19 Scopes of Certification Annex A SCOPE Medication Management DEFINITION (at least one of the following) Experience in the ordering, dispensing, application and management of medicated products, pharmaceuticals, and therapeutic goods; Domiciliary Medication Management Reviews (DMMR); Residential Medication Management Reviews (RMMR); and Electronic Prescribing and Dispensing of Medicines (EPDM). REQUIRED EVIDENCE (at least one of the following) Pharmacy Degree; Medical Practitioner Degree; Nurse Practitioner Certificate with a current Australian Registered Nurse or Recognized Equivalent (evidence of current Registration is to be enclosed with Application); Cultural Care Specialist Care Background with people from non- English speaking and Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islander backgrounds; residential facilities catering to different ethnicities, religions, home and community care; Veterans and War Widow(er)s; remote and rural locations. Background with people with disabilities (including, mental, and physical disabilities, dementia), palliative and convalescence care (stoma, organ donor, cardiovascular, diabetes, arthritis, asthma), communicable diseases, immunocompromised. Minimum 2 years work experience as a Nurse; Clinician; Carer; Facility Manager; Case Worker; Social Worker; Counselor or equivalent function in a non-english speaking and Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islander environment. PLUS References with current, accurate contacts supporting experience are required. Minimum 2 years work experience as a Nurse; Clinician; Carer; Facility Manager; Case Worker; Social Worker; Counselor or equivalent function in a Specialist Care environment. PLUS References with current, accurate contacts supporting experience are required. Care Examination & Management Executive management of residential facilities including the management, grant/subsidy compilation, residential aged care team assessor, and administration of accommodation services and facilities to Aged Care Principles under the Aged Care Act Minimum 5 years work experience as a DON, DOC, Facility Manager or equivalent function; Diploma in Business Management or equivalent. PLUS References with current, accurate contacts supporting experience are required. END OF ANNEX A PAGE 19

20 Definitions Annex B For the purpose of these certification requirements, the definitions given in ISO 19011:2002 Guidelines for quality and/or environmental management systems auditing and ISO/IEC 17024:2003 General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons apply, in addition to those definitions specific to RABQSA. Definitions and abbreviations relevant to this document are shown. Aged Care Professional: A person listed on the register of certified person as qualified to conduct consultancy audits of residential Aged Care facilities using the Accreditation Framework. Assessor: A registered auditor with the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency who perform Accreditation Audits against the Accreditation Standards under the Aged Care Act Audit: systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining audit evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which audit criteria are fulfilled. DON: Director of Nursing. DOC: Director of Care. Consultant: Person with the competence to provide consulting services. Police Clearance Report: A police certificate (or National Criminal History Record Check or National Police Certificate ) obtained from the Australian Federal Police or CrimTrac that discloses evidence of whether a person: Has been convicted of an offence; Has been charged with, and found guilty of, an offence but discharged without conviction; or Is the subject of any criminal charge still pending before a Court. Clearance Reports from the Australian Federal Police reveal and record convictions across all jurisdictions in Australia. Quality Management System: The organisational structure, procedures, processes and resources needed to implement the relevant standards. END OF ANNEX B PAGE 20

21 Terms and Conditions Annex C Compliance with this Code is one of the conditions for continuing Certification. Breach of the Code may lead to dismissal or removal from the RABQSA Aged Care Professional certification Scheme. Requirements of the Code are: 1. To act professionally, accurately and in an unbiased manner. 2. To strive to increase the competence and prestige of my profession. 3. To assist those in my employ or under my supervision in developing their professional competencies. 4. Not to undertake any assignments that I am not competent to perform. 5. Not to represent conflicting or competing interests and will disclose to any client or employer any relationships that may influence my judgment. 6. Not to discuss or disclose any information relating to any assignment unless required by law or authorized in writing by the client and/or my employing organization. 7. Not to accept any inducement, commission, gift or any other benefit from client organizations, their employees or any interested party or knowingly allow colleagues to do so. 8. Not to intentionally communicate false or misleading information that may compromise the integrity of any assignment or the personnel certification process. 9. Not to act in any way that would prejudice the reputation of RABQSA or the personnel certification process and will cooperate fully with an enquiry in the event of any alleged breach of this code. Suspension RABQSA reserves the right to suspend certification as a result of investigations into the conduct or performance of certified persons. Refer to Complaints for further details. Suspension will occur when Police Clearance has not been received. Reinstatement of Certification will occur when the Clearance matter is resolved. RABQSA does not refund fees to any certified persons when suspending Certification. CONTINUED OVER PAGE PAGE 21

22 Terms and Conditions (Cont.) Annex C Withdrawal RABQSA reserves the right to withdraw certification as a result of investigations into the conduct or performance of certified persons. Refer to Complaints for further details. Certified persons may withdraw their certification at any time by notification in writing to the RABQSA Aged Care Professional Scheme Examiner. RABQSA remains the sole owner of any Certificates and ID Cards issued to certified Aged Care Professional. In the event of withdrawal of Certification, the Certificate and ID Card issued must be returned to RABQSA. RABQSA does not refund fees to any certified Aged Care Professional when withdrawing certification. Complaints Against Certified Aged Care Professionals Complaints against the actions or conduct of a Certified Aged Care Professional will be reviewed and investigated by RABQSA using documented procedures. Within the provisions of the Privacy Act, RABQSA will investigate and indicate that an Aged Care Professional may be in breach of the Code of Conduct. A valid substantiated complaint may result in cancellation of Certification. Complaints Against RABQSA Complaints against RABQSA may be submitted on the RABQSA web site Each complaint will be reviewed, investigated, and resolved in a timely manner through a formal, documented process. CONTINUED OVER PAGE PAGE 22

23 Terms and Conditions (Cont) Annex C Appeals An appeal against adverse Certification decisions, suspension or withdrawal of Certification must be submitted in writing through the RABQSA website, The written appeal will be reviewed, investigated, and resolved in a timely manner through a formal documented process. Appeals may be made on the following decisions: Refusal to grant Certification; Refusal to grant continuation of Certification; Refusal to grant an expansion of Scope of Certification; Reduction in Certification Scope; Suspension of Certification; or Withdrawal of Certification. The Applicant is required to submit their appeal to RABQSA no later than 30 days after notification of the decision. The appeal should include appropriate substantiation for the appellant s position and it shall contain any additional or updated information. Certification Information For information on RABQSA s: Certification processes; Applicants rights and responsibilities; Complaints and appeals process; Conditions of use for Certificates, ID Cards and RABQSA logo; and Privacy Please contact RABQSA via the website or info@rabqsa.com. Terminology The terminology to be used by Aged Care Professional s in describing their Certification on business cards, letterhead, etc is RABQSA Aged Care Professional. END OF ANEX C PAGE 23

24 Fees Schedule Annex D For complete details of Fees, refer to website at fee_portal.html Application Fees Provides for the receipt and desk audit of the application (Administration Fee), PAAS Examination Fee, and Police Clearance Fee. These fees must accompany all applications. Certification and Annual Fees Provides for the Certificate and ID Card (First Annual Certification Fee), inclusion on the RABQSA Certified Personnel Register (available to the public through the RAB- QSA website), and ongoing certification (Annual Fee). The First Annual Certification Fee is payable AFTER your Application has been approved. Do not submit this Fee with your Application. Annual Certification Fees are payable annually on the anniversary of the certification and will be invoiced by RABQSA. Re-Certification Fee Provides for Annual Fee, administration costs, evaluation of re-certification requirements, ongoing certification,* re-issue of the Certificate and ID Card,* inclusion on the RABQSA Certified Personnel Register*. This Fee is payable every 3rd anniversary of initial certification and re-certification and includes the Annual Certification Fee. The applicable fee will be invoiced by RABQSA. * - occurs upon verification that the Applicant has met the re-certification requirements. Expansion Fee Provides for the receipt and desk audit of the Application, issue of updated Certificate and ID Card* and update on the RABQSA Certified Personnel Register*. Payable when applying for an expansion of scope in currently held certification. * - occurs upon verification that the Applicant has met the expansion requirements. CONTINUED OVER PAGE PAGE 24

25 Fees Schedule (cont.) Annex D Transfer Fee Provides for the receipt and desk audit of the Application, issue of updated Certificate and ID Card *and update on the RABQSA Certified Personnel Register*. Payable when applying to transfer currently-held RABQSA under Transition Arrangements. * - occurs upon verification that the Applicant has met the transfer requirements. Payment Options Please note: All payments made to the Milwaukee Office of RABQSA will be charged in US$; all payments made to the Sydney and Seoul Offices of RABQSA will be charged in AU$. Credit card Payments by Fax Please fax your credit card payment form to the fax number listed for your region. Payments by Phone You can pay your account over the phone using your credit card. Please call your regional office during normal business hours Monday to Friday. Payments by Cheque Send Cheques payable RABQSA to your nearest Principal Office. Note: Payments may be made in US$, AU$ or. All fees are non-refundable and subject to change. Please refer to the fees listed for each region on the website for details. END OF ANNEX D PAGE 25

26 Transition Arrangements Annex E To facilitate the commencement of this Scheme, a transition arrangement has been established. Aged Care Assessor s holding current RABQSA Aged Care Assessor Certification and/or Assessor holding current Assessor Registration with the Aged Care Standards Accreditation Agency will be offered RABQSA Certification as Aged Care Professionals on the successful completion of: Recognition of Aged Care Quality Assessor Registration; Current Police Clearance certificate; Completion of examination of personal attributes within the previous 4 years; and Demonstration of work experience. Transition Fee A Transition Fee applies for all applications under these Transition Arrangements which covers the personal attribute examination. All other Fees as stated in the Fee Schedule will apply for new Applications. Note: Payments must be made in AU$. All fees include GST, are non-refundable and are subject to change without notice. Please refer to the fees listed on the website. END OF ANNEX E PAGE 26

27 OFFICE USE ONLY Customer No:... EXAMPLE ONLY Annex F QUALIFICATION-BASEDAGED CARE PROFESSIONAL APPLICATION RABQSA International Commercial- In-Confidence when completed When completing this Application please ensure that all sections are completed and that all requested information is provided. SECTION 1 PERSONAL DETAILS Family Name: Professional... Prefix/Title: Ms Given Name(s): Susan Good. Name for Certificate: Susan Professional This should be your name as you wish it to appear on all published materials (e.g., John E. Smith). Please provide both business and home contact details and select the relevant box to indicate which is the preferred contact point for RABQSA communications. Please include area codes in phone and fax numbers. If you provide only your home contact details, your suburb, state and phone number will be published on the website register. Applications should be forwarded to your local RABQSA Office. Business Address Home Address Organisation Name & Address detail: Business 123 Pty Ltd PO Box 1234 Cityville Business Centre Address details 29 Home St Homeville State: Vic Postcode: 3099 State: Vic Postcode: 3000 Phone: Fax:.. Phone: Fax: Mobile: Mobile: susanprofessional@bigpond.com susanprofessinal@citywide.com.au Applications must include an address Applications must include an address SECTION 2 LANGUAGE SKILLS Please list any languages Include a question on other languages; include written, spoken, and reading; Fluent (F), Intermediate (I), or Minimal (M). Language: Written:. Spoken:. Reading:. Language: Written:. Spoken:. Reading:. CONTINUED OVER PAGE PAGE 27

28 EXAMPLE ONLY SECTION 3 GRADE OF CERTIFICATION Please select the grade of certification requested: Aged Care Professional SECTION 4 SCOPE OF CERTIFICATION Annex F AGED CARE PROFESSIONAL APPLICATION (CONT.) Please select the scope(s) of certification requested. Refer to Annex A of the Certification Criteria for details. Selections must correspond with documented experience and/or objective evidence submitted with this application. 1. Medication Management 2. Cultural Care 3. Specialist Care 4. Care Examination and Management Please ensure that you provide evidence of required qualifications for each Scope sought. Refer to Aged Care Professional Certification Requirements Annex A of this document for details. SECTION 5 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION ATTACHMENTS (Please select each box as applicable to confirm you have attached the following :) Application Fee. (Refer to Fee Schedule for your region, available on the RABQSA website Copy of Certificate of Attainment/Successful Completion for the applicable training course. PAAS MASTER Ò EXAMINATION I request that RABQSA organize a PAAS Examination (Refer to page 12 of the Certification Requirements) OR I have completed a PAAS Examination in the last 12 months Date completed:... Copies of formal education, e.g. Degrees or Certificates. Curriculum Vitae detailing dates of employment, roles and responsibilities, including contact details for employers. Audit Logs, verified and including contact details for auditees. Consulting Logs, verified and including contact details for clients. CONTINUED OVER PAGE PAGE 28

29 EXAMPLE ONLY Annex F AGED CARE PROFESSIONAL APPLICATION (CONT.) SECTION 6 DECLARATION Please select the boxes as appropriate to confirm your understanding and agreement to the Terms and Conditions below: I hereby apply for Aged Care Professional Certification with RABQSA International, Inc. I agree to the publication of my name, contact and certification details in the RABQSA Register of Certified Personnel. I request that I be shown on the Register of Certified Personnel as able to undertake contract work. I agree to comply with the requirements of Certification as detailed in the Certification Requirements. I agree to supply any further information needed for the evaluation of my Application. All information provided in this Application is correct to the best of my knowledge. Any complaints regarding my performance are formally dealt with in a manner to prevent recurrence. I authorise RABQSA to seek information from any parties noted in this Application and supporting documents. I will observe the RABQSA Aged Care Professional Code of Conduct and confirm: I will observe the RABQSA Code of Conduct and confirm that: 1. I will act professionally, accurately and in an unbiased manner. 2. I will strive to increase the competence and prestige of my profession. 3. I will assist those in my employ or under my supervision in developing their professional competencies. 4. I will not undertake any assignments that I am not competent to perform. 5. I will not represent conflicting or competing interests and will disclose to any client or employer any relationships that may influence my judgment. 6. I will not discuss or disclose any information relating to any assignment unless required by law or authorized in writing by the client and/or my employing organization. 7. I will not accept any inducement, commission, gift or any other benefit from client organizations, their employees or any interested party or knowingly allow colleagues to do so. 8. I will not intentionally communicate false or misleading information that may compromise the integrity of any assignment or the personnel certification process. 9. I will not act in any way that would prejudice the reputation of RABQSA or the personnel certification process and will cooperate fully with an enquiry in the event of any alleged breach of this code. Name: Signature: Susan Good Professional Susan G Professional Date: 31 December 2008 CONTINUED OVER PAGE PAGE 29

30 EXAMPLE ONLY Annex F Annex 7 AGED NFSA CARE CERTIFICATION PROFESSIONAL APPLICATION APPLICATION (CONT) (CONT.) SECTION 7 - PAYMENT DETAILS Please refer to the current Aged Care Professional Fee Schedule for details of application fees. I enclose my: (please select) Cheque Credit card for the amount of US$:... AU$ $:... Credit Card Type: (please select) VISA M/CARD AMEX Card Number: XXXXX _ / _ 2222 / _ 3333 / _ 4444 Expiry Date: 09 /_ 09 _ Card Holder Name: Susan Good Professional. Cardholder s signature: Susan G Professional. ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS FOR CERTIFICATION Applicants should review the Certification Requirements and ensure that the information submitted demonstrates all these requirements. Applicants who may have any special needs (e.g. language) should contact RABQSA for assistance. Applications must be submitted in English. Where translations of documents are provided, these must be independently verified for accuracy. Please ensure that all materials are complete and accurate prior to submittal, all documentation must be submitted within 30 days of Application being received. Applications without all the required information will experience delays in processing or possible closure of Application while RABQSA seeks the additional information required. For further information or enquiries about the Aged Care Professional Certification Scheme or your Application for certification, please contact the RABQSA Aged Care Professional Scheme Examiner. END OF APPLICATION PAGE 30

31 Annex G Summary of Certification Requirements Please note that the table is a summary only of the Certification Requirements. Applicants MUST refer to the details provided in the Certification Requirements. Certification Requirements Evidence Knowledge Aged Care Assessor Training within the last 6 months Page 7 Qualifications Page 8 Secondary education; and Drivers License Work Experience Page 8 Police Clearance Page 12 2 years residential aged care experience Current Australian Federal Police or National Police Clearance Report, no criminal convictions Audit Experience Page 8 Consulting Experience Page 8 Personal Attributes Page audit days; 4 complete audits 10 consulting days, 4 complete consulting projects PAAS Master Examination END OF CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS PAGE 31