New standardised accreditation certificates for general practices: What you need to know

From 1 September 2024 all general practices across Australia will receive a new style of accreditation certificate with an unique accreditation certificate number, when becoming accredited or re-accredited. This change is part of an initiative led by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Aged Care (the Department) to enhance consistency across the National General Practice Accreditation (NGPA) Scheme awhile allowing for easier verification of a general practice’s accreditation status.

Why the change?

The move to a standardised certificate with a unique certificate number is driven by the need for a more unified approach to accreditation across all general practices in Australia. Historically, variations in certificate formats and accreditation numbers have posed challenges for practices, accrediting bodies, and regulatory agencies alike. In response, the Department has called for a consistent accreditation certificate number to be allocated to all practices currently accredited under the NGPA Scheme.

This change supports NGPA Scheme accreditation and to enable Services Australia to enable the verification of a general practice’s accreditation status using the Organisation Register of MyMedicare (the Register).

 

By implementing a standardised certificate format and an easily identifiable and consistent accreditation number, the Department aims to ensure that a practice’s accreditation status is easily verifiable by Services Australia and other relevant bodies. This initiative is a step towards enhancing the transparency and reliability of the accreditation process, thereby supporting the ongoing improvement of healthcare quality in Australia.

What does this mean for AGPAL accredited practices?

For AGPAL accredited practices, the introduction of the new standardised certificate brings several benefits. Firstly, the consistent accreditation certificate number will ensure that your practice’s accreditation status can be quickly and accurately verified. This is particularly important for practices participating in government programs that require proof of accreditation.

Secondly, the new certificate format is designed to be more user-friendly and easier to understand. The standardisation ensures that all essential information is presented clearly, reducing the risk of errors or misinterpretation. Additionally, the unified approach reinforces the credibility of AGPAL accredited practices, highlighting their commitment to maintaining high standards of care in line with national guidelines.

While the appearance of your certificate will change, it’s important to note that your accreditation status remains unchanged. The introduction of the new certificate is an administrative update aimed at improving the overall efficiency of the accreditation process. Your practice will continue to be recognised for meeting the Standards and your commitment to quality care will remain at the forefront.

Implementation and next steps

For practices already accredited:
The AGPAL team will contact all practices currently accredited via email before 30 August 2024. This email will include details of your new certificate number and information about the next steps provided by the Department. Please note that you will not receive a new physical certificate.  If you’re currently registered with MyMedicare, please update your accreditation certificate number on the Organisation Register of MyMedicare. For practices yet to register with MyMedicare, please enter your certificate number into the Organisation Register of MyMedicare at registration (see below for steps to update).

For practices currently undergoing the accreditation process:
AGPAL will begin issuing the new standardised certificates to newly accredited and re-accredited general practices from 1 September 2024. Practices will automatically receive their new certificate, which should be displayed prominently as the official proof of accreditation.

For practices that have transferred accrediting agencies:
If you undertook your assessment and were awarded accreditation with AGPAL, we’ll be in touch with your preferred accreditation contact to provider your new certificate number. Please note that you will not receive a new physical certificate.

No immediate action is required by these practices, but AGPAL encourages practices to familiarise themselves with the new certificate format. Should any questions or concerns arise, AGPAL’s Client Liaison Team is available to provide support and guidance.

 

Steps to update your AGPAL accreditation certificate details

1. Log into Proda.
2. Log into your Organisation.
3. Open the Organisation Register (select the Green Tile).
4. Navigate to the Associated Sites tab.
5. Click on your Practice ID Number.
6. Go to the Accreditation tab.
7. Click on the blue font link to Amend Accreditation Details.
8. Enter your new AGPAL Certificate number: GP*****- ACSQHC**-***

9. Click the Confirm button.
10. Select the SUBMIT button located on the lower left of the screen. – This will open your practice summary window.

11. Check that all your providers are up to date, then select SAVE.

 

Looking forward

The introduction of a standardised accreditation certificate and certificate number is a positive step towards greater consistency and transparency in the accreditation process. For AGPAL accredited practices, this change underscores the importance of maintaining high standards of care and staying up-to-date with regulatory requirements. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in ensuring that practices can continue to deliver quality care with confidence.

For more information about the new standardised accreditation certificates or to seek assistance, please contact AGPAL’s Client Liaison Team at info@agpal.com.au or 1300 362 111.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my accreditation certificate look different?

AGPAL has introduced a new standardised accreditation certificate as part of an initiative led by the Commission and the Department. This change ensures consistency across all accredited general practices and facilitates easier verification of accreditation status through MyMedicare.

 

What is the purpose of the consistent accreditation certificate number?

The consistent accreditation certificate number has been introduced to streamline the accreditation process and enable Services Australia to verify your practice’s accreditation status more efficiently using the Organisation Register on MyMedicare.

 

How does this change affect my current accreditation status?

Your current accreditation status remains unchanged. The introduction of the new certificate is purely administrative and designed to standardise the presentation of accreditation across all practices.

 

What does the new certificate look like?

The new accreditation certificate features a clean design, with key details such as the practice name, accreditation standards, and certificate number prominently displayed. While the design is consistent across accrediting agencies, minor visual elements and branding may differ, reflecting each agency’s unique identity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do I need to take any action regarding the new certificate?

No immediate action is required on your part. AGPAL will contact you prior to 30 August 2024 to provide you with your new certificate number and will issue the new standardised certificate to your practice during your next accreditation cycle.  Practices that are already accredited will not receive a new certificate in the mail.

 

Do I still need my AGPAL client ID?

Yes, your AGPAL client ID is unique to your practice and should be used whenever you contact AGPAL. This number helps your Client Liaison Officer quickly access your information.

 

Will this new certificate affect my practice’s standing with Medicare or other regulatory bodies?

No, the new standardised certificate will not affect your practice’s standing with Medicare or any other regulatory bodies. It is designed to enhance the verification process without altering your accreditation status.

 

What do I need to do when I get my new certificate number?

For practices that are currently registered with MyMedicare, please update your accreditation certificate number on the ‘Organisation Register’ of MyMedicare. For practices yet to register with MyMedicare, please enter your certificate number into the Organisation Register of MyMedicare at registration.

 

Who should I contact if I have further questions?

If you have any additional questions about the new certificate, please reach out to our Client Liaison Team for assistance. You can contact us at info@agpal.com.au or 1300 362 111.