Home Care Package (HCP) providers have the option to utilize third-party services to fulfill the needs of their care recipients if they are unable to provide them directly. However, it is important to note that providers are still accountable for ensuring that these services comply with the Aged Care Quality Standards.
What are the third-party services?
Third-party services refer to care or services provided by another organization or individual on your behalf. This can involve sourcing and coordinating care and services through a third-party, which may include subcontractors, labor hire, or brokered services. Additionally, purchasing goods, equipment, and assistive technology from a third party falls under this category.
These services can be engaged on a temporary or continuous basis to fulfill the needs of the care recipients or their requests for specific workers or service providers.
Home Care package provider responsibilities
As the approved providers, they hold legal responsibility for the services provided by third-party organizations, even when the care recipient is self-managing.
The providers must oversee these services to:
- ensure the quality of care,
- address any issues or complaints,
- monitor the outcomes for the care recipient,
- verify that key personnel is suitable,
- confirm that all services meet the necessary aged care legislative requirements
- process and pay invoices promptly.
The providers’ role also involves determining whether third parties are suitable to deliver specific services, taking into account the care recipient’s assessed needs and legislative obligations.
When a care recipient requests third-party services, the providers must carefully balance:
- their responsibility for managing the package budget,
- ensuring high-quality care,
- respecting the care recipient’s right to choose the services they require and how they are delivered.
Fees for third-party services
Under no circumstances should the provider:
- charge an additional fee for third-party services
- establish or impose an extra cost for additional care management or package management.
If third-party services are involved:
- If it is the provider’s decision, the cost must be included in the service price and cannot be charged separately.
- If it is the care recipient’s decision, you must clearly outline how the service will be charged in the schedule.
Establishing pricing for external third-party services
Prices should be both reasonable and justifiable, ensuring that they offer value for money while taking into account the effort and resources required to coordinate them.
It is essential to factor in all costs when planning care and creating individualised budgets before any expenditures are made.
When determining prices, it is important to consider how to incorporate any third-party costs into the various price categories. By including these costs in care and package management charges, the providers can potentially recover most, if not all, of the additional expenses associated with third-party services.
Fees associated with direct services
When utilizing third-party services to provide services through the Home Care Packages, the direct service charges typically include the following:
- The cost of the third-party care or service
- Business overheads and costs
Any reasonable business overheads and costs that cannot be incorporated into care and package management should be factored into the all-inclusive price established for third-party care or services.
Care Management
When using third-party services, care management typically includes the following:
- Reviewing the care recipient’s Home Care Agreements and care plan to ensure that the third-party services are in line with other forms of support.
- Collaborating with the care recipient, their family, and caregivers regarding their care provision.
- Ensuring that services are culturally appropriate and respectful.
- Identifying and addressing any potential risks to the care recipient’s safety, health, and overall well-being.
Package Management
When using third-party services, package management package management typically includes:
- Coordinating and organizing third-party services (excluding clinical decisions)
- Preparing invoices, monthly statements, and claims
- Managing records efficiently
- Addressing any inquiries regarding invoices
- Facilitating home modifications
- Procuring goods, equipment, and assistive technology
- Ensuring the suitability of third-party staff through background checks
- Conducting quality improvement, compliance, and assurance activities
- Compiling and submitting reports on quality
- Maintaining documentation for COVID-19 vaccination and other vaccinations.
Invoicing
Following the provision of services, it is imperative that the third-party promptly issues invoices within the same month in which the services were rendered. Subsequently, the approved Home Care Package provider is required to submit claims to Services Australia within the corresponding claim month.
It is essential to itemize all third-party charges in the monthly statement provided to the care recipient. To facilitate this process, it is recommended to collaborate closely with the third-party to ensure timely receipt of itemized invoices.