Non-emergency patient transport (NEPT) services must be issued with a licence before they can commence transporting patients
Prior to submitting an application for a NEPT licence applicants are encouraged to make themselves familiar with the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Regulations 2016 and supporting information including the NEPT Clinical Practice Protocols (CPPs)
Information about applying for, varying, or renewing a Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT) licence, including application forms, checklists, and guidelines is available below.
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Non-emergency patient transport (NEPT) services must be issued with a licence before they can commence transporting patients.
Prospective non-emergency patient transport (NEPT) providers, seeking to provide NEPT services in Victoria, need to submit an application for a NEPT Licence.
The application form for a licence (Schedule 3) and guidelines to support an application for a NEPT licence are available for download.
Additional information about the different classes (acuity levels) of NEPT services and other regulatory requirements are available for download under ‘NEPT information and guidance’.
Prospective NEPT providers, may consider applying for an approval in principle (AIP) to operate a NEPT service prior to an application for a NEPT licence. An AIP is not compulsory; the AIP process allows you to assess whether you will meet the requirements for licensing and to remedy any issues that might prevent you from obtaining a licence before significant financial outlay.
If you are unsure whether to apply for a NEPT licence or an AIP, contact the NEPT regulation team on neptfirstaidregulation@health.vic.gov.au.
Schedule 3 - Application for a Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service LicenceGuidelines to support an application for a NEPT licence are under development. Contact the NEPT regulation team for assistance at neptfirstaidregulation@health.vic.gov.au
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Licensed NEPT services may apply to have their licence or a condition of their licence varied. An example of an application for a licence variation includes adding an additional licence class (acuity level) e.g. adding high acuity services or including additional vehicles to fleet for the transport of patients.
The application form and guidelines for a licence variation (Schedule 5) are available for download.
Schedule 5 - Application for variation of a Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service LicenceGuidelines to support an application for a NEPT licence transfer and variation are under development. Contact the NEPT regulation team for assistance on neptfirstaidregulation@health.vic.gov.au.
Transfer
A licensed NEPT service may apply to have their licence transferred to another person.
The application form for a licence transfer (Schedule 4A) is available for download.
Schedule 4A - Application for transfer of licence to operate a non-emergency patient transport service -
An application for renewal of a NEPT licence should be made three months before the expiry of your current licence. Applications made within the last three months of a licence incur an additional fee.
The application form (Schedule 4) and guidelines for a licence renewal are available for download.
Schedule 4 - Application for Renewal of a Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service LicenceGuideline to application for renewal of a Non-Emergency Patient Transport LicenceChecklist for application for renewal of non-emergency patient transport (NEPT) service -
A person or company may apply for an approval in principle (AIP) to operate a non-emergency patient transport (NEPT) service. An AIP is not compulsory; it is possible to apply for a NEPT licence without first obtaining an AIP.
The AIP process allows you to assess whether you will meet the requirements for licensing before you commit to purchasing vehicles or premises. It also allows you to remedy any issues that might prevent you from obtaining a licence.
Once the AIP has been granted you must apply for an NEPT service licence. You cannot begin operation as a NEPT service until a licence has been granted.
Additional information about the different licence classes (acuity levels) of NEPT services and other regulatory requirements are available for download under ‘NEPT information and guidance’.
The application form (Schedule 1) for an application for approval in principle to operate a NEPT service is available for download.
Schedule 1 - Application for Approval in Principle to Operate a Non-Emergency Patient Transport ServiceChecklist for an Approval in Principle to operate a NEPT serviceGuideline for an Approval in Principle to operate a NEPT service -
The holder of an approval in principle certificate to operate a NEPT service may apply to have their AIP certificate or a condition of the certificate varied, or the certificate transferred to another person.
The application form for an AIP certificate variation or transfer (Schedule 2) is available for download.
Schedule 2 - Application for Variation or Transfer of Certificate of Approval in Principle to Operate a Non-Emergency Patient Transport ServiceGuidelines to support an application for an AIP certificate variation and transfer are under development. Contact the NEPT regulation team for assistance on neptfirstaidregulation@health.vic.gov.au.
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The Non-Emergency Patient Transport and First Aid Services Act 2003 (the Act) requires assessment of fitness and propriety (including financial reputation and stable financial background) to support prospective approval in principle applications, licence applications, as well as licence renewals, transfers, and variations.
Forms are available for download to support evidence of fitness and propriety.
These forms do not limit the assessment of, or requirement for additional evidence to demonstrate fitness and propriety of the individual or body corporate (e.g., company, business or incorporation) to whom the application or part of the application applies.
Accountant's statement - Application for Non-Emergency Patient Transport licenceDeclaration - fitness and propriety - NEPTList of Directors or Controlling Officers form - NEPTNon-emergency patient transport - Appointment or change of director, board member or controlling officer form
Reviewed 13 January 2025