The Aged Care On-site Pharmacist Program (ACOP) enhances medication safety and quality of care in residential aged care homes by embedding pharmacists as part of the multidisciplinary team.
These pharmacists bring specialised expertise in medication management and pharmacotherapy to provide collaborative and integrated care for residents, improve health outcomes and build confidence among families and carers.
To participate in the program, on-site pharmacists must either:
From 1 July 2026, all pharmacists participating in the program must have completed an APC-accredited aged care on-site pharmacist training program.
Community pharmacies approved under Section 90 of the National Health Act 1953 are also eligible to participate in the program.
Residential aged care homes are eligible to participate in the program if they:
Residential aged care homes providing respite-only care are not eligible to participate in the program.
Aged care homes can engage an on-site pharmacist by approaching a participating community pharmacy of their choice, supporting existing relationships and continuity of care.
There are no location or proximity restrictions, and residential homes may also partner with businesses that employ on-site pharmacists.
There are two tiers of funding, both administered by the Pharmacy Programs Administrator. Funding is available for one on-site pharmacist per 250 beds in a residential aged care home, allocated in 50-bed increments. This is equivalent to one day of pharmacist time per week for every 50 beds. This structure supports a regular pharmacist presence, including in smaller residential aged care homes.
| RACH Bed Band | Full-time equivalent rate, per eligible home | Maximum on-site days per week | Maximum on-site days per month | Maximum on-site days per financial year | Maximum annual payment amount based on FTE (ex GST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1-50 |
0.2 |
1 |
5 |
45.5 |
$27,595.75 |
|
51-100 |
0.4 |
2 |
10 |
91 |
$55,191.50 |
|
101-150 |
0.6 |
3 |
15 |
136.5 |
$82,767.25 |
|
151-200 |
0.8 |
4 |
19 |
182 |
$110,383.00 |
|
201-250 |
1.0 |
5 |
23 |
228 |
$138,282.00 |
|
251-300 |
1.2 |
6 |
28 |
273.5 |
$165,877.75 |
|
>301 |
1.4 |
7 |
33 |
319 |
$193,473.50 |
Residential aged care homes must first attempt to access an on-site aged care pharmacist through a community pharmacy of their choice. If unsuccessful, the residential aged care home can access funds directly to engage an on-site pharmacist under Tier 2.
Section 90 community pharmacies can claim payments to engage an ACOP to work at a particular residential aged care home. See Aged Care On-site Pharmacist (ACOP) Measure Tier 1 – Community Pharmacy claims and receives payments.
Residential aged care homes can claim payments to engage an ACOP to work at the home if they are unsuccessful in sourcing an eligible pharmacist through the community pharmacy of their choice. See Aged Care On-site Pharmacist (ACOP) Measure Tier 2 – Residential aged care home claims and receives payments.
Gippsland PHN can support pharmacists and residential aged care homes interested in participating in the program by helping them understand program requirements and how the model can be implemented effectively within their setting.
Download the flyer for more information.
Funding is available for one on-site pharmacist per 250 beds in a residential aged care home, allocated in 50-bed increments. This is equivalent to one day of pharmacist time per week for every 50 beds. This structure supports a regular pharmacist presence, including in smaller homes.
Gippsland PHN can assist residential aged care homes to identify and connect with eligible pharmacists and provide support to pharmacists who are interested in joining the program.
For more information about how we can help, please email the Aged Care team at agedcare@gphn.org.au.