"By establishing a minimum national standard for general practice we are seeking to guide practices in a positive direction by identifying what they should be doing to enhance the safety of their patients and practice team." -Tim Malloy, College President

What is the Foundation Standard?

The Foundation Standard represents what is considered to be the legal, professional, and regulatory requirements for general practice. 

The benefits of Foundation Standard

  • Practice meets legal regulatory and professional standards
  • Quality assurance for patients and staff
  • Enhances clinical processes    
  • Increase medical knowledge base
  • Online assessment tool - QA2QI
  • Contributes to continuing professional development (CPD points)

A collaboration between the College’s membership, PHOs and international colleges; the Foundation Standard was developed in 2013 as the entry-level standard for general practices. The programme requires the practice to provide evidence of meeting standards set by the College, followed by a reassessment cycle every three years. 

Read the Foundation Standard guide.

QA2QI

Quality Assurance to Quality Improvement (QA2QI) is the assessment tool that Foundation practices use to upload and submit evidence. PHOs also use this tool to assess and track practice progress. 

Foundation governance

The Primary Health Organisations (PHO) affiliated with the practice oversees the assessment process. The College provides the Standard, QA2QI, moderates, audits and ultimately awards the certificate to the practice. The PHO affiliated with the practice handles enrolment, support and assessment of evidence submitted. 

Learn how the College audits and moderates the programme.

Registration

To register for the Foundation Standard assessment, please get in touch with your affiliated PHO.