The new service model applies to both new referrals and existing work from the moment registration opens on 13 April 2026. The updated processes and expectations outlined in the online modules, terms and conditions and service definitions set consistent standards for all OT services moving forward.

If you’re partway through a piece of work when you register (for example, completing a report), you can finish that task using the current template. Any new work started after registration, including future reports or assessments for the same client, must use the updated templates and follow the new expectations.

Once you complete registration, the new fee codes and rates apply immediately, including for existing clients. Any invoices submitted after registration can use the new rate and updated fee codes, even if the work commenced before you registered.

Yes. You can continue supporting your existing clients while you complete the registration process. This ensures there are no gaps in service delivery or negative impacts on clients as the new model is introduced.

Once your registration is finalised, you can begin using the new fee codes and rates for clients you are already supporting.

For organisations with OT teams, the new fee schedule can only be applied to OTs who have joined the registry. OTs who have not yet registered must continue using the existing fee codes and rates until they complete registration.

Yes. We recognise how important early staff engagement is to ensure your teams understand what’s changing and feel ready to act when registration opens.

An information pack will be distributed in late March 2026, including promotional materials and practical implementation resources such as intranet content, newsletter copy, and staff‑facing email templates. If you don’t receive this pack, or if you need additional support, please email sectors@tac.vic.gov.au and we can send it directly to you.

This webpage also provides comprehensive information about registration and the changes introduced through the OT Access Registry.

OTs are asked to nominate areas of practice (e.g. brain injury, mental health, home modifications) to help support better referral alignment. This is simply an indication of the types of clients or service areas they typically work in and are willing to accept referrals for, rather than a statement of experience.

If an OT identifies an area of practice but their work in that area does not meet the expected standard, we will manage this in the same way as any other performance concern.

Our approach is collaborative. We work with OTs to provide feedback, clarify expectations and support capability uplift in that service, where needed. The focus remains on maintaining quality and supporting continuous improvement.

The changes to registration, referral templates and the online module are designed for OTs who provide disability assessments, reports and complex home or vehicle modifications — areas that differ from hand therapy. Hand therapists are welcome to join the OT Access Registry, but there is no requirement to do so. A hand therapy policy and fee schedule (applying to both physiotherapy and OT) is being finalised and will be shared well before 30 June 2026.

Yes. OTs who do not register can continue delivering services to TAC clients at the current fee rate published here: occupational therapy fee schedule

However, OTs who are not registered will not be included on our internal search tool listing providers by locations they service and area of practice. This means claims managers won’t be able to identify you or your services when supporting clients to access an OT matched to their needs.

Registration benefits include:

• Access to the new higher hourly rates
• Higher travel rates
• Greater visibility of your services to claims staff

Regardless of registration status, all OTs must continue to deliver services in line with TAC policies, service definitions, reporting requirements and the Clinical Framework.

No. The online modules are mandatory for all OTs. They establish a consistent baseline of expectations under the new service model and ensure every provider is aligned on processes, reporting and service standards.

Beyond meeting requirements, the modules also strengthen TAC knowledge and offer practical guidance on how to get the most out of working with the TAC. This shared understanding supports smoother referrals, clearer expectations and ultimately a better experience for both OTs and clients.

The modules also include new information on streamlined referral processes and updated reporting. Even long-standing TAC OTs, will learn more effective and up-to-date ways of working with us.

The online modules are designed to be concise, with the full set taking around 1 hour to complete. OTs may also choose to align their learning and time spent on the modules with their CPD goals.

We recommend allowing just over an hour to complete both the registration and the modules. Once you submit your OT Access Registry registration, you’ll receive an email containing the confidential fee codes and you can move immediately to the new rates and start working under the under the new model.

No, re-registration is not required. However, you must:

1. Submit a new health and service provider registration form, to update your general details
2. Re-complete the OT Access Registry registration form if your areas of practice, services you deliver or locations have changed. Select the option to update your details at the beginning of the form.

This ensures the TAC has accurate information and can continue making appropriate referrals matched to your location and practice areas.

The OT Access Registry is maintained internally by the TAC and is only accessible to TAC staff. OTs cannot log in to the registry directly.

To update your details simply re-submit the OT Access Registry registration form with your updated information. At the start of the form, select the option to update your details, and we’ll apply the changes on our end.

The TAC cannot accommodate short-term pauses of registration. If you wish to be removed from the registry completely, complete the OT Access Registry form selecting the removal option at the start of the form. After this, you will be registered for standard occupational therapy registration only.

The quickest way to confirm you’re using the latest template is to check the footer. Updated templates display a 2026 reference (for example, 02/26), which shows you’re working from the current version.

All updated templates will be available on the OT assessment forms page from 13 April 2026. We recommend bookmarking this page so you can always access the most up to date versions.

Claims managers will usually contact you before sending a referral. If you’re on leave, your out‑of‑office message helps guide their decision. Depending on urgency, they may wait for your return or allocate the referral to another provider. It’s best to follow up with the TAC when you return to confirm whether the referral was reallocated.

Some referrals include a requested timeframe for the report. If no timeframe is set, the standard 2‑week initial appointment is a guide and can be negotiated based on urgency and your availability. We understand that travel, coordination with other providers and existing commitments may affect scheduling — the key is clear communication with the TAC.

Yes. Larger organisations may nominate a centralised intake or referral team as the primary contact. OTs can list a central referral email when registering. Referrals may be transferred within the same organisation if the receiving provider is TAC‑registered and meets requirements. The TAC must be notified, and the new provider should invoice according to their own registration type and rate.

Yes. Registered OTs will receive the new fee schedule, with therapy rates aligned to the new physiotherapy fee schedule.

Yes. Services can continue to be billed through HICAPS using the new item codes. Only OTs registered on the OT Access Registry can use the new fee schedule.