AI and Automated Decision-Making Policy Template
As AI tools become embedded in aged care operations, this policy establishes the governance framework to ensure they are used transparently, ethically, and with meaningful human oversight.
Overview
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in residential aged care for functions including care planning support, risk stratification, compliance monitoring, medication management, and workforce scheduling. While AI tools offer significant efficiency and safety benefits, their use also introduces risks including algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, and the erosion of human judgement in care decisions. This policy template — the first of its kind for the aged care sector — establishes governance principles for responsible AI use, with specific application to tools like Governa's Norma compliance assistant.
What This Policy Covers
- Definition of AI and automated decision-making in the aged care context
- Approved use cases for AI tools within the facility
- Mandatory human oversight requirements for AI-generated recommendations
- Transparency obligations: residents' right to know when AI is used in their care
- Algorithmic bias assessment and monitoring
- Data governance for AI training and input data (resident privacy)
- Vendor due diligence for AI tools and platforms
- Staff training on responsible AI use
- Incident reporting for AI errors or unexpected outputs
- Governance escalation for high-risk automated decisions
Compliance Alignment
- Privacy Act 1988 – Australian Privacy Principles (automated processing)
- Aged Care Quality Standard 8 – Organisational Governance
- Australian Government – Responsible AI Framework
- OECD AI Principles
- Aged Care Act 1997 – Provider duties of care
- Charter of Aged Care Rights – Right to be informed
Why This Policy Matters
Governa AI is uniquely positioned to address this gap — as a provider of AI-powered compliance tools, having an AI governance policy demonstrates that Governa practices what it preaches. For facility clients, the absence of AI governance creates regulatory exposure as the ACQSC and federal government move toward mandatory AI accountability frameworks in healthcare. This is the most forward-looking policy gap in the sector.
