Services · Medication Management
Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist
Clinical pharmacy expertise, embedded in your care team.
EHS supports residential aged care providers to implement and manage the Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist (ACOP) model with the clinical expertise, governance and infrastructure needed to make it work effectively.
From pharmacist recruitment and onboarding to ongoing clinical support, education and quality improvement, we help embed credentialed pharmacists as effective members of the multidisciplinary care team.
What is the ACOP program?
The Australian Government's Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist program funds credentialed pharmacists to work onsite in residential aged care homes. Working as part of the care team, ACOP pharmacists provide accessible medication expertise and support safer, more effective use of medicines across the home.
Their role may include:
- Day-to-day medication advice and monitoring
- Medication reconciliation and review
- Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) activities
- Psychotropic and antimicrobial stewardship
- Medication audits and quality improvement
- Support during transitions of care
- Resident, family and staff education
- Case conferencing and multidisciplinary collaboration
- Medicines Advisory Committee participation and governance support
More than an onsite pharmacist
Successful ACOP implementation requires more than placing a pharmacist in a home. EHS provides the clinical and operational support around the ACOP to help providers establish a consistent, sustainable and well-governed service.
Workforce
Matching
Connecting each facility with the right credentialed pharmacist.
Onboarding &
Integration
Helping pharmacists build effective relationships with care teams and partners.
Clinical
Support
Ongoing leadership, mentoring and professional development.
Governance &
Quality
Strengthening medication safety, quality and regulatory alignment.
Education &
Insights
Access education, clinical resources, monitoring and reporting to support better care.
Why partner with EHS for ACOP?
EHS brings decades of specialist aged care medication management experience to the evolving ACOP model. Our existing clinical infrastructure means providers aren't simply accessing an individual pharmacist, they gain the support of a broader medication management team.
Established Expertise
Decades of medication management experience across residential aged care.
National Pharmacist Network
Credentialed pharmacists supported by clinical leadership, peer review and ongoing development.
ACOP Delivery Experience
Proven processes for recruiting, onboarding and supporting onsite pharmacists.
Governance at Scale
Consistent standards and oversight across individual facilities and multi-site organisations.
Shaping the Future
Active involvement in research and industry initiatives supporting the evolution of ACOP.
Finding the right medication management model
ACOP introduces a new approach to medication management in residential aged care, but it's not the only option. With expertise across ACOP, RMMRs and QUM, EHS works with providers to identify the most suitable, sustainable and cost-effective model of clinical pharmacist support for their needs.
Supporting ACOP across your organisation
For multi-site aged care providers, EHS brings a coordinated approach to ACOP, strengthening consistency, clinical governance and medication safety across facilities.
By aligning clinical support, education and quality improvement, we help providers move beyond individual facility implementation to a connected, organisation-wide medication management program.
- Organisation-wide governance support
- Updated medication policies and procedures
- Refreshed medication management competencies for care staff
- A learning platform with medication management education and training
- Information materials for residents and next of kin
- Online webinars
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from aged care providers.
Is taking part in ACOP mandatory?
No. Neither aged care homes nor pharmacies are required to take part. Where no ACOP is engaged, homes and residents can still access the RMMR and QUM programs.
Can a home have an ACOP as well as RMMR and QUM services?
Not at the same time. Under the program rules, a home taking part in the ACOP measure can't also hold an RMMR or QUM agreement, and its ACOP can't provide RMMR or QUM services at that home. That is why we help providers choose the model that fits each home.
How is an ACOP engaged?
There are two pathways. Under Tier 1, a community pharmacy partners with the home, engages the ACOP and claims the funding; a home can have only one pharmacy partner. Under Tier 2, an eligible home can engage an ACOP directly if it could not source one through a community pharmacy under Tier 1.
What does an ACOP do day to day?
The ACOP works onsite in a clinical role: day-to-day medication review and monitoring, follow-up with GPs and supply pharmacies, advice to residents and staff, support during transitions of care, whole-of-home QUM activities and reporting to the Medicines Advisory Committee.
How is ACOP funded?
The Australian Government funds each full day the ACOP works onsite, claimed monthly in arrears through the PPA Portal. The number of funded days depends on the home's bed numbers. Travel, leave and public holidays are not funded, and employers set pay rates and cover any amount above the funding.
What credential does an ACOP need?
From 1 July 2026, every ACOP must hold an accredited ACOP credential, gained through an accredited course or recognition of prior learning.
Do you support newly credentialed pharmacists?
Yes. EHS offers a supportive clinical pathway for newly credentialed pharmacists, with clinical leadership, mentoring and peer review.
Speak with EHS
Considering ACOP for your organisation?
Whether you're exploring ACOP, considering your existing RMMRs and QUM arrangements, or looking for a more consistent medication management approach across multiple homes, our team can help you understand your options.
Let's find the right model for your organisation.
Speak with EHS