Non Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT) Regulations

The Non Emergency Patient Transport Act 2003 requires that all NEPT services must be licensed in order to be able to transport non emergency patients in Victoria.

NEPT regulations came into effect 1 February 2006. The Act establishes a licensing system for services providing non emergency transport using stretcher carrying vehicles or offering specialist clinical care or monitoring during transport.

Under the regulatory framework, a matrix has been developed that matches the level of patient illness with appropriate staff numbers and qualifications. The matrix considers the clinical needs of the patient to determine the necessary level of care required during transportation.

A copy of the Act, regulations and clinical practice protocols is available at www.health.vic.gov.au/nept.

The Department of Human Services Private Hospital Unit is responsible for administering the licensing system and reviewing any complaints about lack of compliance.