Having onsite pharmacists in aged care homes

Credentialed pharmacists can now be employed to work onsite in residential aged care homes, following changes that came into effect on 1 July 2024.

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, having onsite pharmacists in residential aged care homes will:

• improve understanding and supervision of residents’ medication needs
• improve safety and support the appropriate use of high-risk medications
• enable the day-to-day review of medications and prompt issue resolution
• provide easy access to pharmacist advice for staff and residents
• improve coordination with local general practitioners, nurses and community pharmacy.
   

An attempt must initially be made by the residential aged care home to access an onsite pharmacist through a community pharmacy of its choice. If this is unsuccessful, the residential aged care home will then be eligible to access funds directly to engage an onsite pharmacist.

Residential aged care homes that engage pharmacists are able to claim reimbursement through the Pharmacy Programs Administrator from 1 October 2024, when the payment administration system is established. Participation in the initiative is optional.

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