Have your say on the CIS

The Commonwealth Government is calling for submissions for its upcoming review of the controversial complaints scheme.

Aged care providers, consumers and members of the public have a month to have their say on the controversial aged care Complaints Investigation Scheme (CIS).

The scheme has been criticised by industry bodies, the federal opposition and academics since it was introduced in May 2007.

Dissatisfaction with the scheme came to a head last month when the ABC’s Four Corners aired a report questioning its effectiveness.

Professor Alan Pearson from the University of Adelaide told the ABC that the scheme is flawed.

“It is a scheme that goes in and checks the degree to which the facility is complying with the aged care standards in terms of its systems and processes,” he told the ABC.

“They’re not going in and investigating the complaint, they’re going in and investigating compliance with standards.”

Aged care representatives have repeatedly voiced their concerns about the scheme as well.

Last year the National Aged Care Alliance called for an overhaul of the CIS that would enable it to focus on positive resolutions.

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot said the review is aimed at ensuring the health, safety and welfare of older Australians.

“The Rudd Government is committed to improving service quality and protections for older Australians receiving aged care services,” she said.

“Encouraging the public to contribute to this review is part of the Rudd Government’s commitment to continuously improve aged care in Australia.”

The review will consider a range of issues including the training of CIS investigators and the CIS’s relationship with the aged care commissioner and the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency.

All submissions must be made by Friday, 28 August. Click here to see a consultation paper on the CIS.

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