Medication Legislation Changes Victoria

Victorian legislation now requires prescribed and dispensed Drugs of Dependence and Schedule 4, 8 and 9 medications in residential aged care homes to be administered only by a nurse or other registered health practitioner.

For most residents, there will be little or no change to their day-to-day care.

Residents will continue to receive their medications safely and at the prescribed times. The main change is that all medications will now be administered by a nurse.

These changes are being introduced across Victorian aged care homes to support safe medication practices and ensure compliance with updated legislation. At Regis, our priority is to provide every resident with safe, high-quality care and support.

The legislation was introduced on 1 July 2026; however, the Victorian Department of Health provided aged care providers with a 90-day transition period to implement these requirements. Following our planning and review process, all medications will be given by nurses across Regis Victorian homes from 31 August 2026.

This requirement does not apply if you manage or take your own medications. It also does not apply when you are away from your Regis home, for example when:

• Visiting family or friends
• Attending an outing
• Going to a medication appointment

Before you leave the home, the nurse responsible for your medications will make suitable arrangements to help you take them safely while you are away.

In an emergency, a person who is not a nurse may give you your medications.

If this occurs, the nurse responsible for your care will provide the person with clear instructions about how to give your medications. This will only occur when a nurse is unavailable and it is necessary to prevent your medication from being missed or delayed.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please speak with the General Manager of your home.