About On-Site Pharmacists
On-site pharmacists play a vital role in:
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Improving medication safety through regular reviews and risk identification.
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Supporting staff education on safe and effective medication practices.
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Collaborating with GPs and other health professionals to optimise prescribing and deprescribing.
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Engaging with residents and families to build understanding and confidence in medication use.
This person-centred approach helps reduce medication-related harm and supports better health outcomes for older people.
Benefits for Homes and Pharmacists
For pharmacists, the measure offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to aged care in a clinical role, working closely with residents and care teams to improve outcomes.
For aged care homes, having an on-site pharmacist means:
Pharmacist training requirements
To participate in the ACOP measure, pharmacists must meet specific training requirements:
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Pharmacists must have completed an Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)-accredited aged care on-site pharmacist training program,
OR
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Hold a current Medication Management Review (MMR) credential and commit to completing, by 30 June 2026, either:
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an APC-accredited aged care on-site pharmacist training program, or
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an APC-accredited recognition of prior learning (RPL) process.
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From 1 July 2026, all pharmacists participating in the program must have completed an APC-accredited aged care on-site pharmacist training program.
Program structure and funding
The ACOP Measure was developed in response to Recommendation 38 of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. It aims to improve medication safety and continuity of care by embedding pharmacists in aged care homes in clinical roles.
The measure is delivered through two tiers:
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Tier 1: A community pharmacy receives funding to engage a pharmacist to work on-site at a specific aged care home.
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Tier 2: The aged care home receives funding to employ a pharmacist directly—this option is available if the home is unable to source a pharmacist through Tier 1.
Pharmacists under this measure provide day-to-day medication reviews, support staff and residents with medication queries, and work closely with GPs, nurses, and community pharmacies to ensure integrated care.