Is an unexplained fall with a suspected fracture a Priority 1 SIRS report?

First decide whether it is reportable

Priority only matters once you have decided the fall is a reportable incident. Unexplained means nobody can say how it happened, so look at what might sit behind it. Neglect is the most common link: for example, a falls prevention plan that was not followed, a call bell left out of reach, or checks that did not happen. Since 1 November 2025, neglect covers services that put a person at risk of serious injury or illness, significant failures or systemic patterns of poor conduct, grossly inadequate services, and reckless or intentionally negligent conduct.

If the injury does not match the account given, or there are signs someone else was involved, consider unreasonable use of force. You do not need proof. An alleged or suspected incident is reportable. If the fall had no connection to care delivered or not delivered, it is not reportable to the Commission, but it still goes through your incident management system.

Why a suspected fracture usually means Priority 1

A reportable incident is Priority 1 if it has caused physical or psychological injury or discomfort that requires medical or psychological treatment to resolve. The Aged Care Rules 2025 define this as treatment that may only be provided by a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, psychologist or social worker. Assessing and treating a suspected fracture, including imaging and transfer to hospital, falls within that. Basic first aid such as an ice pack generally does not.

The old words "could reasonably have been expected to have caused" were removed from the Priority 1 definition. You classify on the actual impact on the person, not the worst case. Keep in mind that a person who cannot tell you about pain may still be injured, and harm can show up later through changed behaviour.

When it is Priority 2, and when it changes

If the fall is reportable but the person needs no treatment beyond first aid, and no other Priority 1 criterion applies, it is Priority 2. That could happen if a nurse assessment rules out a fracture. If a fracture is confirmed later, the Commission's guidance is that the Priority 1 timeframe runs from when you become aware of the information that makes it Priority 1. Update the report promptly and keep a record of the first assessment, the new information and when you reclassified.

The timeframes for each

Under section 165A-25 of the Aged Care Rules 2025, a Priority 1 notice is due within 24 hours of becoming aware of the incident, with any information not available at the time given within 5 days of becoming aware. Under section 165A-30, a Priority 2 notice is due within 30 days. New information must be notified as soon as reasonably practical. Reports go through My Aged Care's provider portal, and if you suspect a crime, contact police as well.

Record your reasoning for the decision. If you are unsure, escalate to your clinical lead or manager and contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Reporting is the safer choice when in doubt.