RACGP Standards for
general practices 6th edition
Your trusted accreditation partner throughout the transition
The RACGP Standards for general practices 6th edition(opens in new tab) reflect the continuing evolution of Australian general practice, with new and strengthened expectations across areas including consumer engagement, continuous quality improvement, artificial intelligence, environmental sustainability, practice planning and reprocessing reusable medical devices.
As your trusted accreditation partner, AGPAL is here to help you understand what is changing, what it means for your practice and what you need to consider as the transition progresses.
We’re drawing on more than 25 years of general practice accreditation experience, together with our involvement as the exclusive accrediting agency selected to participate in the RACGP(opens in new tab)’s sixth edition pilot program, to develop practical information, education and resources for practices.
What you need to know now
Continue with your current accreditation preparations
Accreditation under the National General Practice Accreditation (NGPA) Scheme(opens in new tab) currently continues against the 5th edition.
Become familiar with the 6th edition
Take the opportunity to understand the new structure and build awareness of new and strengthened requirements. There is no need to make immediate changes.
Stay informed through AGPAL
Transition and implementation arrangements are still to be confirmed. As further information becomes available, we’ll explain what it means for your practice and provide practical resources to help you prepare.
Explore the RACGP Standards 6th edition hub(opens in new tab).
About the RACGP Standards 6th edition
The RACGP Standards for general practices 6th edition build on a framework that has supported quality and safety in Australian general practice for 30 years.
Many of the foundations of the 5th edition remain familiar, with an ongoing focus on safe, high-quality, patient-centred care and continuous quality improvement.
The 6th edition also reflects the changing environment in which general practices operate. There is greater emphasis on outcomes, clinical governance, consumer engagement, quality improvement and the use of clinical data, alongside emerging areas such as digital health technologies, artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability.
The Standards have also been restructured to improve clarity and usability for practices and Surveyors.
The new structure
The 6th edition comprises four standards:
- Foundations of general practice
- Clinical governance
- patient participation
- Continuous quality improvement
There is also an optional standard for point-of-care testing.
Many requirements from the 5th edition remain within the 6th edition but may have been reorganised, consolidated, clarified or expanded. This means there is not always a direct relationship between a 5th edition Indicator and a 6th edition Criterion.
View the RACGP 6th edition to 5th edition mapping(opens in new tab).
Key changes to be aware of
While many core expectations remain familiar, there are new and strengthened areas for practices to become familiar with.(opens in new tab)opens in new tab)
What does this mean for your practice?
For now, the priority is awareness and familiarisation.
You can begin by understanding how the 6th edition is structured, becoming familiar with new and strengthened areas and considering where these requirements relate to systems already operating within your practice.
At the same time, continue preparing for accreditation against the Standards that currently apply to your practice.
Transition and implementation arrangements under the NGPA Scheme(opens in new tab) are still to be confirmed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care(opens in new tab).
There is no need to get ahead of the transition arrangements.
When confirmed information affects your practice, AGPAL will help you understand what has changed, what it means for your accreditation journey and what you need to consider next.
Practical insight from the RACGP 6th edition pilot
AGPAL was the exclusive accrediting agency selected to participate in the RACGP Standards 6th edition pilot program.
Through the pilot, our team had the opportunity to work alongside participating practices as the Standards were tested in real-world general practice settings.
This gives us valuable early insight into the practical application of the 6th edition and the considerations practices may encounter as they transition.
We’re using this experience, together with our broader general practice accreditation expertise, to inform the practical guidance, education and resources we develop for you.
Supporting you throughout the transition
Every practice and accreditation journey is different. Your preparation for the 6th edition needs clear information that reflects both the confirmed transition arrangements and the realities of your practice.
AGPAL is preparing a phased and coordinated program of information, education and resources to support you throughout the transition.
As the journey progresses, we’ll help you:
Our approach is designed to give you the right information and resources at the right time, so you can prepare in a structured and considered way.
Explore RACGP 6th edition information
The RACGP(opens in new tab) has developed a range of information to help you become familiar with the 6th edition, including the Standards hub and a mapping document showing how requirements from the 5th edition relate to the 6th edition.
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pens inWe'll keep this page updated with further information becomes available, so you can stay informed as the transition progresses.
Experience you can trust throughout the transition
AGPAL has more than 25 years of experience in Australian general practice accreditation.
We understand how accreditation requirements translate into the governance, systems, evidence and day-to-day operations of general practices. Our involvement in the RACGP 6th edition pilot adds direct experience of how the new Standards operate in real-world practice settings.
We’ll bring that experience to every stage of the transition, helping you understand confirmed requirements and prepare with confidence.
Stay informed
For now, continue with your current accreditation preparations, become familiar with the 6th edition and stay informed.
We’ll keep you updated as transition arrangements are confirmed and progressively provide the practical guidance, education and resources you need throughout your 6th edition journey.
Your dedicated AGPAL Client Relationship Team is here to support you throughout your 6th edition journey. For personalised support or questions about your accreditation, contact the AGPAL team on 1300 362 111 or [email protected](opens in new tab).