The NSQHS Standards third edition is a draft that consolidates the 8 standards into 3 integrated standards, with a pilot in 2027, release anticipated in 2028 and assessment from 2030. Until then, health services keep using the second edition.
Where it stands on 15 October 2026
The Commission is developing the third edition as part of its 10-year review, and asks services to keep using the second edition in the meantime.1 Public consultation on the initial draft has closed, and feedback will refine the next draft ahead of piloting in 2027.2 The Commission's consultations page lists it as closed on 2 October 2026.3
Eight standards become three
In the initial draft, the eight standards of the second edition are consolidated into three integrated standards.1
| Draft standard | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Clinical Governance Standard | The responsibilities of the board, executive and leaders for a clinical governance system that supports high-quality care |
| Person-Centred Practice Standard | The systems that support clinicians to give care that is person-centred, safe, effective, accessible and integrated |
| Safe Clinical Systems Standard | The priority systems, policies and processes that keep people safe, prevent avoidable harm and sustain high-quality care |
The stated purposes include stronger clinical governance at service level, new evidence-based practice, cultural safety and the elimination of racism in health care, and greater integration of care.1 The Commission's Rationale for Change explains the new structure and emphasis.4
The timeline
| Year | What the Commission plans |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Public consultation on the draft |
| 2027 | Pilot in selected health services, and a consultation regulatory impact assessment |
| 2028 | Ministerial approval, and launch of the third edition |
| 2029 | Implementation resources released |
| 2030 | Health services begin assessment to the third edition |
The pilot will test the draft with about 140 health services between February and June 2027. Expressions of interest close on 20 November 2026, and are open to services with current NSQHS accreditation. Services with interim accreditation, undergoing mandatory reassessment, or whose accreditation expires in 2027 are not eligible. The pilot does not affect a service's accreditation status.5
- Stay on the second edition. Your assessments until 2030 are against the second edition. Keep every action met.
- Read the draft and the rationale. Note where your governance, person-centred care and safety systems already fit the three draft standards.
- Consider the pilot. If your service is eligible, decide before 20 November 2026 whether to take part, and at which level.
- Map evidence to systems. Organise evidence by the system that produces it, so it moves cleanly from 8 standards to 3.
- Strengthen cultural safety. Review how the service partners with First Nations communities today. The draft gives it more weight.
- Second edition actions all met at last assessment, yes or no ______
- Draft standard ______ Our current system ______
- Where the evidence lives ______
- Change we expect to make ______
- Pilot interest, level ______ Decided by ______
For the standards in use today, read the NSQHS and RACGP accreditation hub and the guide to preparing for an NSQHS accreditation assessment.
Questions
Is the NSQHS Standards 3rd edition in force?
No, it is still a draft, the second edition remains the one in use, and assessment to the third edition is planned from 2030.
How many standards are in the third edition draft?
Three, the Clinical Governance, Person-Centred Practice and Safe Clinical Systems Standards, consolidated from the second edition's eight.
When will the third edition be released?
The Commission anticipates release in 2028, after a pilot in 2027 and ministerial approval.
Can my service join the pilot?
If it holds current NSQHS accreditation and is not on interim accreditation, under mandatory reassessment, or due to expire in 2027. Expressions of interest close on 20 November 2026.
Sources
- 1Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2026Third edition engagement hubRead source
- 2Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2026NSQHS Standards (third edition) ConsultationRead source
- 3Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2026ConsultationsRead source
- 4Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2026The Rationale for Change, NSQHS Standards (third edition)Read source
- 5Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2026Pilot of the NSQHS Standards (third edition)Read source
Written by the wai team from Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and the RACGP guidance, checked on 15 October 2026. This is guidance, not legal advice. Neither ACSQHC nor the RACGP endorses wai or any software.