Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care: 2026 National Model for Clinical Governance

Summary

The 2026 National Model for Clinical Governance (national model) aims to drive high-quality care and better outcomes for patients in Australian hospitals.

The national model is a short, simple, principles-based document that describes key actions and clarifies roles within health services to achieve high-quality care. It signals a strategic shift in how clinical governance is understood, led and embedded in all health services.

The model: 

• elevates clinical governance to the highest level of organisational leadership and oversight, highlighting the crucial role of boards and executives in governing for high-quality care
• reshapes Australia’s approach to clinical governance, shifting the main focus from complying with accreditation requirements to building the culture of the organisation to one in which delivery of high-quality care is the core focus of everyone in a health service, every day.

The national model is accompanied by a practical guide to implementation and tools.