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The Aged Care On-site Pharmacists (ACOP) Program provides dedicated, ongoing funding for Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs) to have a Pharmacist as part of their clinical care team, either directly employed by the RACH or engaged through a local pharmacy.
This program was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, aiming to:
- improve the safe and effective use of medicines
- strengthen clinical governance
- provide better team-based care and support for residents, families and staff.
a) Support from Capital Health Network
Capital Health Network (CHN) is committed to helping aged care homes to successfully integrate on-site Pharmacists into their care teams. ACOPs can be sourced independently by RACHs through engaging directly with a Pharmacist or a community pharmacy. CHN can provide tailored support by:
- connecting you with qualified Pharmacists or community pharmacies.
- guiding you through program implementation and recruitment.
- sharing resources and best practice tools.
Contact us: oph@chnact.org.au
b) Benefits of an on-site Pharmacist
An on-site Pharmacist works as an integral member of your team, supporting residents and staff by:
- collaborating with residents, families, GPs and staff to optimise medicines
- identifying and resolving medication-related problems
- providing personalised medication reviews
- supporting accreditation, Quality Use of Medicine (QUM) activities and quality indicators
- leading or participating in Medication Advisory Committee (MAC) meetings
- assisting with safe medication storage and handling
- supporting safe transitions of care.
c) ACOP program vs RMMR program
The Aged Care On-Site Pharmacist Program and the Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR) / Quality Use of Medicines (QUM)Program are two distinct programs for providing pharmacist services in aged care homes.
Aged care homes can access services provided by a Pharmacist either through the ACOP program or through RMMR/QUM services — but not both programs.
- ACOPs are Pharmacists embedded within the aged care home, providing continuous, team-based support and working closely with residents, staff, GPs, and other healthcare providers.
- RMMR/QUM servicesare delivered by visiting Pharmacists who conduct comprehensive medication reviews at set intervals or when clinically indicated.
| Feature | On-Site Pharmacist | RMMR/QUM Pharmacist |
| Integrated member of the RACH care team | ✅ | ◐ (varies by arrangement) |
| Follows-up with residents between formal reviews | ✅ (no limit) | ◐ (limited to claiming rules and visit frequency) |
| Leads or participates in Medication Advisory Committee (MAC) meetings | ✅ | ◐ (varies by arrangement) |
| Supports medication transitions (e.g. post-hospital discharge) | ✅ | ◐ (often limited to review cycle) |
| Leads/supports Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) and quality indicator improvement | ✅ (broad scope, can undertake audits, stewardship) | ✅ (primarily via education and targeted QUM visits) |
| Completes comprehensive medication reviews | ✅ | ✅ |
Note: On-site Pharmacists cannot bill for RMMRs. Where an aged care home has an on-site Pharmacist under the ACOP Program, RMMR claims by visiting Pharmacists are not permitted. However, GPs can still claim the relevant Medicare item for a medication review if the claiming criteria is fulfilled.
d) Contact us
If your aged care home is interested in learning more or getting support to participate in the ACOP Program, please email: oph@chnact.org.au
For more information about the program:
- Aged Care On-site Pharmacist – Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- Pharmacist and Residential Aged Care Home Guide