Aged Care Minister responds to concerns over Integrated Assessment Tool algorithm
Long-standing concerns from operators, peak bodies and the community about the quality of Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) decisions have reached the floor of Federal Parliament.
Yesterday (Monday, 9 February), Independent MP Dr Monica Ryan asked the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae: “Minister, are these once-in-a-generation reforms just ‘robo aged care’?”
“Experienced clinicians are unable to override algorithmic decision-making,” she said. “The government’s new single assessment scheme is failing older Australians.”
Minister Rae responded: “Let me be clear: the IAT classification algorithm does not replace assessor input; it relies on assessors documenting their advice in the IAT first.
“I assure the member that assessors still play a critical role in achieving high quality assessment outcomes by using their clinical judgement and strong communication and engagement skills to complete the IAT during the assessment.”
The Minister said the IAT ensures accuracy and consistency in decision making, stressing the word “consistency”.
Minister Rae added that the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing intends to refine the IAT on a regular basis and is monitoring the operation of the algorithm.
37% of assessment upgrades being rejected: Adrian Morgan
The Weekly SOURCE has been reporting since last November that IAT outcomes are being determined by an algorithm with no option for assessors to manually override outcomes, and there are problems with the algorithm outputs.
Dr Ryan’s question came as Adrian Morgan, General Manager with QLD home care provider Flexi Care, wrote on LinkedIn that 37% of their requests for care levels to be upgraded due to increased client need are rejected, with lower levels of care recommended instead.
Prior to 1 November 2025, Adrian said virtually no reassessments were rejected.
The option for manual override of assessment outcomes was introduced as a last minute change to the Aged Care Rules, with no explanation, shocking the aged care sector.
What is the IAT?
The IAT replaced the National Aged Care Screening and Assessment Form on 1 July 2024 and was a recommendation of the Aged Care Royal Commission.
The tool is used to assess aged care needs to determine eligibility for Government-subsidised aged care, including home care, flexible aged care, and entry into residential aged care, and the level of support required.
