SIRS reporting timeframes: how fast must you report?
Under the Serious Incident Response Scheme, known as SIRS, the timeframe depends on the priority of the incident. Priority 1 incidents must be reported within 24 hours, and Priority 2 incidents within 30 days. The clock starts when the provider becomes aware of the incident.
Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS)
Aged Care Act 2024 (Cth)
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, SIRS guidance
Priority 1: within 24 hours
Priority 1 covers the most serious incidents, including an unexpected death, unlawful sexual contact, or an incident that caused, or could reasonably have caused, physical or psychological injury needing medical or psychological treatment. It also includes incidents where there are reasonable grounds to report the matter to police. These must be reported within 24 hours.
Priority 2: within 30 days
Any reportable incident that does not meet the Priority 1 threshold is a Priority 2 incident. It must still be reported, but within 30 days rather than 24 hours. Priority 2 does not mean the incident is minor, only that it does not meet the higher threshold.
When the clock starts
The reporting timeframe runs from when the incident becomes known to the provider, including when any staff member becomes aware of it. Clear internal processes help make sure deadlines are not missed. Reportable incidents are notified to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission through its reporting system.
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