HealthCERT audits against Ngā Paerewa NZS 8134:2021 — the Health and Disability Services Standards. Auditors aren't looking to catch you out. But they are looking for specific evidence that your policies exist, your staff know them, and you apply them consistently. Here's what they examine and how to prepare.
What HealthCERT auditors actually look for
The audit is a certification audit (for new providers) or a surveillance audit (for existing providers). Both involve reviewing documentation, observing practice, and interviewing staff and residents.
Auditors sample across four outcome areas:
- Consumer rights — HDC Code of Rights, informed consent, complaint processes
- Organisational management — policies, staffing, quality systems
- Continuum of service delivery — care plans, medication, restraint, infection control
- Safe and appropriate environment — physical safety, equipment, maintenance
Key finding from 2025 audits: The most common areas of partial attainment in NZ aged care audits are medication management documentation, restraint authorisation records, and individualised care plan updates. These are also the easiest to fix with process improvements. Ngā Paerewa NZS 8134:2021
Medication management — the highest-risk area
Auditors examine:
- Whether medication is prescribed and administered according to current orders
- Medication reconciliation at admission, transfer and discharge
- Storage, handling and disposal of controlled drugs
- Staff competency records for medication administration
- Near-miss and medication error reporting
Evidence tip: Auditors often ask HCAs to walk them through what they'd do if they found a medication discrepancy. Have a documented process, train all staff on it, and test it. Medicines Act 1981 s25 · Ngā Paerewa 3.4
Restraint and seclusion documentation
This is heavily scrutinised. Every episode of restraint requires:
- Prior assessment and least-restrictive alternatives considered
- Written consent from the person or their welfare guardian
- Time-limited authorisation from a competent authority
- Monitoring during the restraint episode
- Post-event review and documentation
Restraint without proper authorisation is one of the fastest paths to a partial attainment finding. Ngā Paerewa 3.9
What to do in the 30 days before an audit
Document review
- Pull 10 random care plans — are they current, individualised, signed?
- Review your last 3 months of restraint registers — all documentation complete?
- Check medication administration records for gaps or discrepancies
- Confirm your complaint register is up to date and outcomes documented
Staff readiness
- Auditors interview staff directly. Make sure every team member can explain your falls response protocol, your medication error process, and how to make a complaint on behalf of a resident.
- Brief agency and casual staff — auditors don't distinguish.
Ask your audit questions to ShiftScript
Upload your Ngā Paerewa-aligned policies. Ask "What evidence do auditors look for in standard 2.3?" Get a cited answer from your own documents.