RACGP updates the definition of general practices

April 3, 2024

The RACGP published a new definition of a general practice for accreditation in the Standards for general practices (5th edition).

The definition change means that access to accreditation against the Standards is now extended to non-traditional general practice models, which may include mobile services (such as outreach disability services) or those servicing a specific patient cohort within facilities (e.g. Residential aged care facilities (RACFs) or disability homes).

The updated definition does not exclude currently accredited services by adding limiting parameters.

RACGP have developed an Interpretive guide for the accreditation of general practices under the new definition of a general practice for the purpose of accreditation, which assists practices seeking accreditation, and agencies and surveyors assessing practices under the new definition.

Practices who want to know about their eligibility for accreditation can contact an accreditation agency approved under the National General Practice Accreditation Scheme.

For more information or assistance, contact standards@racgp.org.au.

Latest news

October 29, 2026
From 28 October 2026, rubella and congenital rubella will change from being ‘routine’ to ‘urgent’ notifiable conditions in Victoria under the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019.
October 27, 2026
South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) is providing advance notice of an upcoming open tender opportunity to establish and deliver two new Medicare Mental Health Centres in Cranbourne and Glen Iris.
October 21, 2026
Mornington Peninsula-based practice Fernbank has become the first non-traditional general practice in south east Melbourne to achieve accreditation – an important milestone for a two-person practice delivering care entirely within residential aged care homes.