Third edition engagement hub
We are developing the third edition of the NSQHS Standards to ensure they continue to support safe, high-quality and person-centred care in a changing healthcare environment.
Expression of interest opening soon: Pilot of the NSQHS Standards (third edition)
An expression of interest (EOI) for participation in the NSQHS Standards (third edition) pilot will open soon. This is a unique opportunity for health services to provide feedback on the draft Standards to help inform their final design and implementation.
The EOI will open from Monday 12 October and close on Friday 20 November 2026.
Overview
As the national agency responsible for leading improvements in the safety and quality of health care, we develop national standards in collaboration with the healthcare system and members of the community.
The National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (second edition) provide a nationally consistent statement about the level of care patients can expect from health services.
They are designed to ensure health services provide high-quality care in Australia.
The second edition of the NSQHS Standards were released in 2017 and are being used in health services across the country. We are currently developing the third edition of the NSQHS Standards as part of our 10-year review process, to ensure the Standards remain current and fit for purpose.
National pilot on the third edition
Expressions of interest (EOIs) will soon open for accredited health services interested in participating in the pilot of the NSQHS Standards (third edition).
The pilot will provide participating health services with an opportunity to:
- review and test the NSQHS Standards (third edition) in a practical setting
- provide feedback on the applicability and feasibility of the Standards
- contribute to the refinement of the Standards ahead of final release.
We are seeking a diverse range of health services to help ensure the pilot reflects the breadth of settings in which the NSQHS Standards (third edition) will be applied. Participation will support the development of a contemporary and effective framework for safety and quality in Australian health care.
Further information on eligibility, pilot activities, expected time commitments, and application timelines will be provided when the EOI opens. We encourage interested health services to watch for upcoming communications and consider how they may wish to be involved.
Participating health services will gain early exposure to the NSQHS Standards (third edition), helping them understand potential future requirements and identify implementation considerations.
Public consultation has closed
Public consultation on the initial draft of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (third edition) has now closed. Thank you to everyone who shared their views, experiences and expertise. Feedback will be analysed and used to refine the next draft of the Standards ahead of piloting in 2027.
Initial draft of the NSQHS Standards (third edition)
The third edition of the NSQHS Standards supports high-quality care for all Australians through nationally consistent safety and quality systems across the continuum of care.
To reflect the complexity of today's healthcare system, the eight standards from the second edition have been consolidated into three integrated standards. They are intended to strengthen the connection between clinical governance, workforce capability and patient outcomes, supporting a coordinated approach to safety and quality.
The standards are designed to operate as an integrated system:
| Clinical Governance Standard | Outlines the responsibilities of the board, executive and leaders for ensuring that the organisation’s clinical governance system supports the delivery of high-quality care |
|---|---|
| Person-Centred Practice Standard | Outlines the systems that support clinicians to provide high-quality care so that patients receive care that is person-centred, safe, effective, accessible and integrated |
| Safe Clinical Systems Standard | Outlines the priority systems, policies and processes that keep people safe while receiving care or working in a health service, prevent avoidable harm and support the sustainable delivery of high‑quality care |
The Rationale for Change has been developed to provide further information about the foundational elements underpinning the NSQHS Standards.
Purpose
The purpose of developing the NSQHS Standards (third edition) is to:
- engage health service boards, leadership and clinical teams on the systems, structures, actions and improvements needed to provide high-quality care
- incorporate new and emerging evidence-based practices, and contemporary approaches to clinical governance
- strengthen clinical governance at the health service level to create resilient and scalable structures and systems
- align and adapt to evolving changes in the healthcare system
- develop and mature health service organisations to become high performing learning organisations that focus on outcomes and impact
- evolve actions to improve cultural safety and eliminate racism in health care
- drive greater integration of care.
Timeline
Development of the NSQHS Standards (third edition) commenced 2025 and it is anticipated they will be released in 2028.
2025
- First public consultation: Opportunities and information gathering on system needs to inform development of the draft NSQHS Standards (third edition)
- Commence drafting the NSQHS Standards (third edition)
2026
- Second public consultation: Seek feedback on the draft NSQHS Standards (third edition)
2027
- Pilot of the NSQHS Standards (third edition) in select health services
- Draft Consultation Regulatory Impact Assessment
- Seek feedback on Consultation Regulatory Impact Assessment
2028
- Seek Ministerial approval for the NSQHS Standards (third edition)
- Public Decision Regulatory Impact Assessment
- Launch NSQHS Standards (third edition)
2029
- Detailed consultation to inform development of NSQHS Standards (third edition) implementation resources
- Release of NSQHS Standards (third edition) implementation resources
2030
- Health services commence assessment to the NSQHS Standards (third edition)
Program governance
The Commission has invited people and organisations with relevant experience and expertise to collaborate on the development of the NSQHS Standards (third edition). The Commission’s work is being guided by two Committees.
Overview of committees
NSQHS Standards Executive Steering Committee
Provides strategic oversight.
Members include representatives from the Commission and its standing committees including the Inter-Jurisdictional Committee, Private Hospital Sector Committee and Primary Care Committee.
NSQHS Standards Project Advisory Committee
Provides expert subject matter knowledge and advice on contemporary thinking about national standards and health system improvement.
Members include, government agencies, public and private health service organisations, peak organisations researchers and academics and consumer representatives.
Contact
For questions and to provide feedback on the development of the NSQHS Standards (third edition), contact the Safety and Quality Advice Centre.
Stay in touch
Keep up to date with project updates, including consultation information and how you can be involved.