Peak sector bodies ACSA and LASA, together with LASA QLD, have formally launched an alternative to the RVA’s village accreditation program. It is called the International Retirement Community Accreditation Scheme, or IRCAS. They are engaging the external quality assurance operator, Quality and Practice [QIP], who also operate accreditation schemes for the dentistry, physiotherapy and diagnostic imaging sectors. QIP had been considered by both the RVA and the old Aged Care Queensland, the joint owners of the original RVA accreditation program, but agreement on process could not be reached. Now the largely not-for-profit sector is going it alone with QIP. The key difference is that the RVA manages and conducts the audits itself whereas under IRCAS the independent QIP will conduct the audits. For more information visit www.ircas.com.au