Integrated Health and Aged Care Services Module
The Integrated Health and Aged Care Services Module (IHACS Module) are is used alongside the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS Standards) for the providers of the Multi-Purpose Services Program.
Important note:
The MPS Aged Care Module will be replaced by the Integrated Health and Aged Care Services Module with the implementation of the Aged Care Act 2024, on 1 November 2025.
Purpose and applicability of the IHACS Module
The IHACS Module has been developed for organisations providing integrated health and aged care services. Its use is currently restricted to organisations delivering funded aged care services under the Commonwealth’s Multi-Purpose Services Program (MPSP).
The IHACS Module enables a streamlined accreditation process against both the NSQHS Standards and the Aged Care Quality (ACQ) Standards. To meet both sets of standards, services undergo a single assessment against the NSQHS Standards plus the IHACS Module.
The Integrated Health and Aged Care Services Module (IHACS Module) replaces the Multi-Purpose Services Aged Care Module (MPS Module) from 1 November 2025.
Accreditation
Under the Australian Health Service Safety and Quality Accreditation Scheme (AHSSQA Scheme), independent accrediting agencies are responsible for carrying out an assessment of Multi-Purpose Service Program providers against the NSQHS Standards and the IHACS Module. The outcomes of assessment are submitted to the Commission, to state and territory regulators, and to the aged care regulator. Service providers should keep up to date with current accreditation requirements, processes and advisories published on the Commission’s website.
Registration with the aged care regulator
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (Aged Care Commission) is the regulator of aged care services in Australia, including those provided under the MPSP. Under the Aged Care Act 2024 (the Act), all providers of government-funded aged care services must be registered with the Aged Care Commission. The Act specifies registration conditions including the requirement to meet the ACQ Standards.
Providers of the MPSP that meet the requirements of the NSQHS Standards and the IHACS Module are considered to have also met the ACQ Standards.
Implementation resources
The Commission has developed resources to support implementation of the IHACS Module.
IHACS Module List of Resources
The IHACS Module and User Guide is the primary resource for providers. The List of Resources for the IHACS Module has been developed with resources that complement the User Guide.