The Department of Health is responsible for implementing the Non-Emergency Patient Transport and First Aid Services Act 2003 (the and the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Regulations 2016 (the .
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 Clinical Practice Protocols (CPPs) are for use by non-emergency patient transport licensed providers for the triage and care of patients during an episode of care.
The CPPs underwent a minor review and update in 2024. They ensure safe practice, include updated and new visual flowcharts and minor corrections to existing guidelines to assist clinical decision making, prescribe minimum equipment standards and accurately reflect relevant legislation and regulatory requirements. The 2024 CPPs have been in effect since 1 February 2025.
Updated 2026 CPP's
This 2026 version of the CPPs has been updated to include minor revisions. This is to align with the proposed new Non-Emergency Patient Transport Regulations 2026 (the proposed new regulations).
The 2026 version facilitate a smoother transition while the proposed new regulations are being finalised and considered for approval.
The department received valuable feedback on the 2024 CPPs from stakeholders during the regulation consultation process. The primary aim of this version update is to align with the proposed new regulations. The department will ensure these stakeholder insights are considered during the next clinical review update of the CPPs.
Pending approval of the proposed new regulations, these updated 2026 CPPs will be effective from 20 April 2026. We encourage all stakeholders to review the documents to prepare for the upcoming implementation. Please refer to the change log for more details.
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Reviewed 23 March 2026