The Department of Health is responsible for implementing the Non-Emergency Patient Transport and First Aid Services Act 2003 (the Act) and the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Regulations 2016 (the regulations).
The Act and regulations establish the requirement for Non-Emergency Patient Transport providers to be licensed and prescribe patient safety and quality standards.
Sunset review of the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Regulations 2016
The current Non-Emergency Patient Transport Regulations 2016 (the Regulations) will expire (sunset) in April 2026. The Department of Health (the department) is conducting a sunset review of the Regulations to determine whether the Regulations should be remade in a similar form or with amendments.
The department has consulted stakeholders to develop a regulatory impact statement (RIS). The RIS sets out options for regulatory amendments and their possible impacts on the sector and the public.
The department has also developed a set of proposed regulations based on the preferred options in the RIS. These aim to build on reforms to the regulatory framework made in 2021 to further enhance patient safety and help improve sector sustainability.
The department asked stakeholders to share their views on the RIS and the proposed regulations. Feedback closed at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 18 February 2026. This feedback will help shape the final regulations and how they are put in place.
Next steps
The department will review and consider each submission. These submissions will help shape the final recommendations for drafting the new regulations.
The final regulations will be sent to the Governor in Council for approval before the current regulations expire.
The new regulations will begin on 20 April 2026.
Clinical Practice Protocols
The Non-Emergency patient transport Clinical Practice Protocols (CPPs) are for use by licensed providers of non-emergency patient transport for the triage and care of patients during transport.
In 2024, the CPPs underwent a minor review and update. The 2024 CPPs ensure safe practice, include updated and new visual flowcharts, include minor corrections to existing guidelines to assist clinical decision making, prescribe minimum equipment standards and accurately reflect relevant current legislation and regulatory requirements. NEPT licence holders must utilise the 2024 CPPs as of 1 February 2025.
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