Quick Reference Guide
Abuse, Unexplained Absences & SIRS
Reportable Incidents under the Serious Incident Response Scheme
Unreasonable
Use of Force
Unreasonable use of force on a consumer includes conduct
ranging from a deliberate and violent physical attack to use
of unwarranted physical force. For example, shoving,
pushing, hitting, punching or kicking a consumer.
Unlawful Sexual Contact or
Inappropriate
Sexual Conduct
Unlawful sexual contact, or inappropriate sexual conduct
committed against, with, to, or in the presence of a
consumer. This includes any non-consensual contact or
conduct of a sexual nature, or touching of a consumer’s
breasts, genital or anal areas, where this is not related to the
provision of care.
Neglect
A breach of the duty of care owed by the provider or a staff
member, or a gross breach of professional standards by a
staff member in providing care or services to the consumer.
Psychological or Emotional
Abuse
A single or repetitive act that has caused, or could have
caused, the consumer psychological or emotional distress,
such as taunting, bullying, harassment, intimidation, threats
of maltreatment, humiliation, unreasonable refusal to
interact with or acknowledge the consumer, or unreasonable
restriction of the consumer's ability to engage socially with
others.
Unexpected Death
Unexpected death in circumstances where reasonable steps
were not taken to prevent the death, or the death is the
result of care or services provided or a failure to provide
appropriate care and services.
Stealing or Financial
Coercion by a Staff Member
Stealing from a consumer by a staff member, or conduct by
a staff member that is coercive or deceptive in relation to, or
unreasonably controls, the financial affairs of the consumer.
Inappropriate Physical or
Chemical Restraint
The use of physical restraint or chemical restraint in relation
to a consumer (other than in the circumstances set out in
Part 4A of the Quality of Care Principles).
Unexplained Absence
from Care
An absence of a consumer from the residential care service
in circumstances where there are reasonable grounds to
report the absence to police.
Source: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/sirs
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Quick Reference Guide
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Abuse, Unexplained Absences & SIRS Version 1 17/03/21