Home Care and Support Services - CAN/HSO 35001:2026 (E)
About HSO Standards
HSO standards are the foundation on which leading-edge accreditation programs and evidence-informed public policy are built. Standards create a strong people-centred health care system that interest holders can rely on to enable people around the world to continuously improve quality of care.
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- Section title. A section of the standard that relates to a specific topic.
- Clause. A thematic statement that introduces a set of criteria.
- Criteria. Requirements informed by evidence that describe what is needed by people to achieve a particular activity. Each criterion outlines the intent, action, and accountability.
- Guidelines. Additional information and evidence to support the implementation of each criterion.
HSO standards integrate gender responsiveness though three key mechanisms:
- Diverse representation. The Technical Committee for each standard includes a diverse range of genders and professional backgrounds. This composition supports the inclusion of lived experiences and clinical perspectives on gendered differences in care delivery that are central to the development process.
- Evidence-informed research. HSO Standards draw on research that explores gender-based differences in health issues and care delivery. This includes examining variations in prevalence, symptom expression, access to and experiences of care, treatment, outcomes and service standards.
- Inclusive language. HSO standards use inclusive gender-responsive language that respects diverse gender identities and reflects both physical and physiological as well as social and cultural dimensions of gender.
Refer to Annex A for additional equity-based principles integrated throughout all HSO standards.
About This Standard
CAN/HSO 35001:2025 (E) Home Care and Home Support Services builds on the following HSO standards to form a new standard:
- HSO 35001:2018 (E) Home Care Services
- HSO 35002:2018 (E) Home Support Services
This standard focuses on enabling high-quality, people-centred care at home that meets the care needs and preferences of people of all ages across the spectrum of acuity.
The standard was developed using published evidence and input from diverse interest holders, including people with lived experience. Gender-responsiveness informed inclusive Technical Committee recruitment, public consultation, evidence synthesis, and integration of equity, diversity, and cultural safety principles (see Annex A) throughout the development of the standard. The content of this standard is structured into the following sections:
- Service Design
- Team-Based Care
- Integrated Care
- Workforce Competency, Safety, and Well-being Continuous Quality Improvement
The standard provides clear requirements and accountabilities for home care clients and care partners, teams, leaders and community partners as they work together towards achieving:
- personalized and safe home care practices, committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and cultural safety; coordinated care and integrated services;
- a healthy, safe, and competent workforce and a quality improvement and outcomes-focused culture.
The published evidence used to inform this standard can be found in the bibliography.
This standard is intended to be used as part of a conformity assessment. This standard will undergo periodic maintenance. HSO will review and publish this standard on a schedule not to exceed five years from the date of publication.
Scope
Purpose
This standard provides guidance for organizational leaders and interprofessional teams, including clients and their care partner(s) delivering safe, high-quality, people-centred health care and support services in a client's home, across the full range of acuity and for all populations. It addresses care needs such as post-acute recovery, daily living support, rehabilitation, parenteral care, mental health, complex care, chronic condition management, palliative care, and end of life care. Technology-enabled, team-based care is included where appropriate.
It emphasizes commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion; cultural safety; coordinated and integrated care using emerging technologies where appropriate; workforce safety, well-being, and competence; and a culture focused on continuous quality improvement and outcomes.
This standard does not prescribe clinical practice guidelines, funding requirements, or technical specifications.
Applicability
This standard applies to all health and social service organizations that deliver services in a client's home. It applies to clients of all ages.
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