The effect of the quality of information obtained by Standards Monitor
ing Teams on the compliance of 410 Australian nursing homes with Commo
nwealth regulatory standards is explored. We find that information mat
ters. Lack of openness is a hallmark of a poor quality facility, openn
ess of a high quality facility. Secondly, open flow of information bec
omes a resource that does enable the regulatory process to improve the
quality of care. From an industry perspective, therefore, openness pa
ys because it 1. works against being marked off by an inspection team
as a problem facility that is covering up; and 2. allows the facility
to improve the quality of the service it delivers to the consumer.