The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a form of funding for eligible Australians with a permanent or significant disability. Under this program, participants who receive funding from the NDIS may use that money to purchase services from you, a service provider. But does your registration under the NDIS determine participants’ ability to use the funding for your services? Does registering offer any advantages? This article will help you to understand what NDIS registration is and how it can affect your provision of services.
What is a Service Provider?
A service provider is anyone that provides services to their clients. If your clients are paying for your services using NDIS funding, you need to comply with specific legislation. Service providers can be individuals (sole traders) or companies. They can also be registered or unregistered.
NDIS participants can exercise choice and control in selecting service providers as long as they spend the funding in line with their goals and within the funding limits.
Some examples of businesses that would be considered service providers under NDIS legislation include:
- allied health practitioners, such as physiotherapists;
- disability workers, such as support workers and carers;
- disability aid providers, such as wheelchair or other assistive device manufacturers;
- support coordinators; and
- gardeners and cleaners.
What Does It Mean to Be Registered With the NDIS?
The NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission (NDIS Commission) enforces strict processes and compliance requirements for a provider to achieve registration with the NDIS. You must select the registration category that aligns with the types of services you are providing.
The NDIS Commission will approve you after checking various criteria. For instance, it will verify that your prices align with the NDIS Price Guide and that you adhere to the Code of Conduct. Moreover, they will evaluate you against any other rules or regulations related to the services you offer.
You will also have to undergo an audit. An independent approved quality auditor will compare you to the NDIS Practice Standards. You will need to source this auditor yourself. Auditors will take into consideration the size and scope of your business and the specific risks associated with your particular service. They will also look into the documentation for your business, including:
- any internal policies and procedures; and
- any external documents you may use with a participant.
Verification audits are used often for lower-risk or less complex businesses. A verification audit may be relevant to you if you are already subject to professional regulations. For example, your obligations may include adherence to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and other relevant professional bodies. On the other hand, you may require a certification audit if you provide more complex or higher-risk support and services.
Continue reading this article below the formDo I Need to Be Registered to Provide Services?
The short answer to this is that it depends. At the time of writing, you can provide services to clients with self-managed or plan-managed funding without needing to register. However, to provide services to clients with funding managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), you must register.
It is worth noting that the NDIS review, published in late 2023, has suggested changes to the registration process and recommended all providers should have some level of registration.
Nevertheless, there have been no alterations to legal requirements thus far.
All providers, whether registered or not, must adhere to the NDIS code of conduct. As a registered provider, you will also need to adhere to the current Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (which change from year to year) and the Australian Consumer Law. Additionally, you must ensure the fair treatment of your participants.
The NDIS registration process can potentially be lengthy and expensive. For this reason, some service providers may choose to remain unregistered.
This guide provides key information on how to manage a business dispute as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
What are the Benefits of Being NDIS Registered?
Despite this, being registered has many benefits. Only registered providers are able to provide the following types of support:
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA);
- Supported Independent Living (SIL), if it involves the use of a regulated restrictive practice;
- Plan Management;
- behaviour support or behaviour management plans; and
- supports that involve restrictive practices.
Certain participants may favour registered providers as they feel more assured when choosing a provider that has fulfilled the NDIS registration requirements. The registration process can help build trust and legitimacy around your service provision. This is because participants know you have met the requirements and follow the NDIS legislation and guidelines.
Key Takeaways
Ultimately, you do not need NDIS registration to be a service provider. However, it has many benefits and can show your customers that you are trustworthy and committed to due process. Although the initial registration process may pose a challenge, it can ultimately offer you a significant advantage, ensuring you stand out in your service provision.
If you need assistance registering with the NDIS, our experienced NDIS lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. You will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents for a low monthly fee. Call us today on 1300 544 755 or visit our membership page.
Frequently Asked Questions
SDA stands for Specialist Disability Accommodation, and SIl stands for Supported Independent Living. These are particular kinds of NDIS services that come with a higher level of responsibility and oversight. SIL is provided to people who need support to live independently, whether in their own homes or a shared environment. SDA is provided to individuals who require a high level of care and support with daily activities and refers to the accommodation itself. For example, the accommodation used to provide SDA services has to meet precise requirements in relation to accessibility.
This process is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and involves an online application process. You will need to show you have appropriate policies and procedures. Additionally, you must assess yourself over the online application and submit to an independent on-site audit. Following this, the NDIS Commission will decide on your registration. If you are accepted, you will also need to participate in an 18-month and three-yearly audit.
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