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Designated Audit Agency for Health and Disability Services.
From 1st October 2002, all new rest
homes and private hospitals are required to be audited the as per the Health
and Disability Services (Safety) Act 2001. Between 1st
October 2002 and 1st October 2004, all existing rest
homes and private hospitals require auditing under the Health and Disability
Services (Safety) Act 2001 in order to maintain their current licensed
status.
Auditing ensures that the services provided by each
facility are certified to the same level of quality and meet required
standards. Certification of services is by the Director General of Health,
based upon the provision of a satisfactory audit report from a designated
audit agency.
Audit Details
The following standards as approved
by the Minister of Health are applicable to the audit process:- Health and
Disability Sector Standards NZS 8134:2001; Infection Control Standard NZS
8142:2000 and Restraint Minimization and Safe Practice Standard NZS
8141:2001, and if relevant, National Mental Health Standard NZS 8143:2001.
These are available from www.standards.co.nz
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An Audit Coordinator will arrange
all auditing requirements regardless of your location within New Zealand.
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A specialised Audit Team will be selected based upon
the type of facility undergoing audit.
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All audits have a designated ‘Lead Auditor’ responsible
for managing the audit process whilst at your facility.
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VSCS - Audit can arrange pre-audits of your facility
prior to the audit proper being undertaken. Pre-audits assist your
facility in determining readiness for your certification audit and areas
that require attention.
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As far as possible the composition of audit teams will
reflect the specific characteristics of your facility eg culturally
specific, clinically specific.
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All auditors have a healthcare or consumer background
and have undergone approved audit training as per Ministry of Health
requirements for Designated Audit Agency auditors.
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Standard audit tools are used for each facility that is
audited.
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The initial provision of a draft audit report allows
for input from your facility into the final audit report.
A udits and Certification
The Health and Disability
Services (Safety) Act 2001 replaces the licensing of hospitals and rest
homes and the registration of residential care homes with certification of
these organisations. Facilities that are currently licensed and wish to
continue to operate, will need to meet these requirements 1 October 2004.
An audit of your facility is the
first step toward attaining certification. Audit results are sent to the
Ministry of Health for assessment and certificates are issued by the
Director-General of Health for the relevant services provided.
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