HealthCERT - Web Capture - ARC Facility Certification Process

HealthCERT is the regulatory body within Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora responsible for certifying health care services, including all aged residential care facilities. It ensures that facilities meet the required standards under the Health and Disability Services Standards (NZS 8134). Audits assess facilities against the Health and Disability Services Standards across these domains: - Clinical care and nursing — Quality of care delivery, medication management, clinical documentation - Staff qualifications and ratios — Appropriate staffing levels, qualifications, training - Food and nutrition — Meal quality, dietary requirements, hydration - Infection control — Hygiene practices, outbreak management - Resident rights and advocacy — Respect, dignity, privacy, cultural safety - Facility safety and environment — Building safety, accessibility, equipment - Governance and management — Leadership, policies, complaint management Audits are conducted by independent auditing agencies contracted by Health NZ — not by the facility itself or by Health NZ directly. This independence is critical to the integrity of the certification process. If a resident or family member has concerns about care quality: - ✅ All ARC facilities in NZ must be certified to operate - ✅ Certification periods range from less than 1 year (provisional) up to 4 years - ✅ Longer certification = better audit performance - ✅ Audits cover clinical care, staffing, food, infection contr