The Aged Care On-site Pharmacist (ACOP) program provides funding for residential aged care homes (RACHs) to include a credentialed pharmacist as part of their clinical care team.
The pharmacist may be employed directly by the home or engaged through a community pharmacy, working alongside staff to support safer, more effective use of medicines.
The program was introduced following recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
The ACOP program aims to:
An on-site pharmacist works within the aged care home to improve health outcomes and provide ongoing support to staff and residents.
They work closely with:
Participation in the program is voluntary for aged care homes.
An on-site pharmacist is part of your team and can help:
The ACOP program is different from the Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR) and QUM program.
Aged care homes can access pharmacist services through one program only, not both.
RMMR and QUM services
ACOP program
If you are a pharmacist and would like information about RACHs in our region who are seeking an ACOP pharmacist or other pharmacist support, reach out to our team.
If you are a pharmacist and would like information about accredited pharmacist education programs, including ACOP, visit the Australian Pharmacy Council website
For more information about the program, visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website
