New IHACS Module to simplify assessment for Multi-Purpose Service providers

From 1 November 2025, when the Aged Care Act 2024 is expected to take effect, providers delivering services under the Commonwealth’s Multi-Purpose Services (MPS) program will be required to register with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (the Aged Care Commission) and meet strengthened Aged Care Quality (ACQ) Standards.

To meet these requirements, MPS providers will move to a single assessment combining the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards and the new Integrated Health and Aged Care Services (IHACS) Module.

The MPS Program is a joint initiative of the Australian and state and territory governments to support integrated care in small, regional and remote communities across Australia.

What is the IHACS Module?

Developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) under the Australian Health Service Safety and Quality Accreditation (AHSSQA) Scheme, the IHACS Module helps MPS providers meet their aged care obligations. It replaces the MPS Aged Care Module (introduced in 2020) and brings aged care-specific requirements not already covered by the NSQHS Standards into one streamlined module with 14 elements:

1. Person-centred care
2. Dignity, respect and privacy
3. Choice, independence and quality of life
4. Agreements, fees, pricing, invoicing and statements
5. Workforce and human resource management
6. Emergency and disaster management
7. Assessment and planning
8. Delivering comprehensive care and services
9. Clinical safety
10. Care coordination and transition
11. Environment
12. Infection prevention and control
13. Food and nutrition
14. Palliative and end-of-life care

Together, the NSQHS Standards and the IHACS Module provide a comprehensive view of safe, high-quality care, tailored to the MPS model without multiple, overlapping accreditation processes.

Oversight and coordination

Assessment outcomes will be shared with regulators to strengthen oversight and reduce duplication.

• Accrediting agencies (i.e. QIP) will report assessment outcomes to both the Commission and the Aged Care Commission.
• The Commission will share outcomes with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to support the administration of Commonwealth-funded care programs.
• The Aged Care Commission will use this information to inform registration decisions.

Key takeaway information for MPS providers

• All MPS providers must register with the Aged Care Commission and meet the ACQ Standards.
• MPS providers will meet this requirement through a single assessment which combines the NSQHS Standards and the IHACS Module under the AHSSQA Scheme.
• Meeting both will satisfy the ACQ Standards for registration (or re-registration) with the Aged Care Commission.

Currently, the IHACS Module applies only to services under the MPS Program. Updates will be published on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and Aged Care Commission websites, and QIP will notify clients of any changes.

Need support?

QIP is here to help. Our team is committed to guiding MPS providers through this transition with clear advice tailored to your service.

We offer comprehensive support, personalised guidance and ongoing partnership throughout the accreditation cycle to help MPS providers prepare for assessment.

To learn more or discuss how the IHACS Module applies to your organisation, please contact the QIP Team on 1300 888 329 during business hours or email info@qip.com.au.

For more information about the IHACS Module, visit the Commission’s website, Integrated Health and Aged Care Services Module.