Audience: Clinicians. Published 10 November 2026 (AEDT). Source date: 3 November 2026.
Regulatory development
On 3 November 2026 the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care opened national consultation on draft safety and quality standards for virtual care. Consultation closes Sunday 13 December 2026. Final publication is anticipated by the end of 2027. This is a draft consultation, not a final or currently mandatory standard.
Scope and definitions
The Commission defines virtual care as any patient–clinician interaction occurring remotely with information technologies. Intended application spans any setting where virtual care is provided, including public and private hospitals, primary and community healthcare, paramedical services and commercial direct-to-consumer providers. Delivery may be synchronous (telehealth audio/video) or asynchronous (for example some remote monitoring).
The Commission says the standards will align with the draft third edition of the NSQHS Standards and the National Model for Clinical Governance, aiming to complement rather than duplicate existing requirements. Unique aspects listed include patient selection for virtual care, digital literacy, clinical and technical risks, informed consent, patient identification, privacy, emergencies and deterioration, transitions of care, and remote monitoring.
Implementation status
All virtual care providers will be encouraged to implement the standards. The Commission is considering implementation and assessment options with government, which may include an accreditation scheme. Primary care clinicians who deliver telehealth or other remote care may wish to review the draft and submit feedback during the open consultation window.
Evidence limits
This report is based on the Commission’s consultation announcement and virtual-care webpage. It does not reproduce the full draft text or costings. Telehealth efficacy claims are outside this notice. Development began in June 2026 after Australian Government support announced 19 June 2026.
Prepared with AI assistance from the linked Commission notices. No clinical review by the ATM Health editorial team is claimed. General professional information, not a practice protocol.
Primary sources
ACSQHC: Have your say on the draft virtual care standards (3 November 2026).
ACSQHC: Strengthening virtual care quality (last updated 3 November 2026; accessed 10 November 2026, AEDT).