RACGP Standards 6th edition pilot launched and industry consultation now open

AGPAL is proud to announce that it has been selected as the exclusive accreditation agency to lead the pilot assessments for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Standards 6th edition.

This opportunity will provide us with unique insight into the proposed Standards’ applicability and support our advocacy for suggested updates to reflect practice systems, processes and operations.

Working in partnership with our pilot clients we’ll gain an early understanding of areas where practices are doing well and areas where additional support may be required. In response to these findings, our team will be able to ensure we’re well prepared to support all our clients during the transition period following the expected release of the final 6th edition Standards in 2026.

The pilot, which kicked off this week, will involve 30 general practices across two separate pilots. The initial pilot involves 10 practices and will be conducted over approximately three weeks.

This first pilot is a crucial step toward refining the new standards, and we’re excited to be supporting these AGPAL clients as they play an essential role in shaping the future of general practice accreditation.

Thank you to our practices and surveyors involved in the first pilot

We’d like to take this opportunity to provide a special thank you to those AGPAL Surveyors and ten client practices for participating in the first pilot of the RACGP Pilot Program:

• First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing – Frankston
• Gayndah Medical Practice
• Livingstone Street Clinic
• Mater Hill Family Medical Centre
• Modern Medical Clinics
• Murdoch University Health: Medical Service
• Norseman General Practice
• One Stop Medical
• Point Clare Medical Practice
• Quorn Medical Practice

These practices and surveyors are leading the way in the assessment process, and we’re grateful for their involvement in shaping the next edition of RACGP Standards.

Provide your feedback

In addition to the feedback gathered from the pilot program, the RACGP is seeking feedback on the draft version of the 6th edition Standards from across the sector. We encourage all general practices to view the new draft Standards and to have your say before the consultation period closes on 20 October 2024. Your thoughts and insights will support the RACGP in strengthening the RACGP Standards 6th edition to enhance the safety and quality of general practice in Australia.

We thank you in advance for your participation and encourage you to check out our article regarding the RACGP’s proposed changes from the 5th to the 6th edition Standards here.

Transition information

The RACGP has stipulated that practices can choose to be accredited under either the 5th or 6th edition Standards for the first 12 months following the publication of the 6th edition – which is currently planned for early 2026. After this transition period, all practices seeking accreditation must meet the requirements of the 6th edition Standards.

Our team will continue to provide you with updates as we work with the RACGP as they refine and test the RACGP Standards 6th edition.

We appreciate your patience as we wait for further information regarding timelines and program readiness. We’re committed to providing you with timely updates to ensure you and your team are informed and prepared for this transition when the time comes.