The NDIS registration model is changing: Are you ready?

The federal government is implementing recommendations to introduce a mandatory risk-proportionate NDIS registration scheme. 

As an NDIS provider, you should consider what these proposed changes could mean for you, and start preparing as soon as you can. The government has also announced that all platform providers, support coordinators and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers will need to be registered.

The registration model recommendations

The recommendations were tabled in a report by the NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce. The Taskforce recommends that registration should not be mandatory for all providers. Instead, the new system would have four different levels of registration. This system depends on the risk level, complexity, and participant contact of the service.

What are the four recommended NDIS registration levels?

1. Basic registration

This is for providers offering low-risk supports involving limited face-to-face contact with participants.

2. Self-directed support registration

This level is for participants/guardians who are responsible for directly contracting their own supports. Registration provides oversight of various self-directed supports. It also recognises the need for these supports to add value for participants and to facilitate quality.

3. General registration

This level is suited to providers that offer medium-risk supports. Examples include:

• Engaging in intense personal activities on a daily basis.
• Significant quantity of face-to-face contact with participants.
• Situations requiring particular skills and expertise (e.g. injections/bowel movements.)

4. Advanced registration

This level is for providers offering high-risk supports or who provide services in high-risk settings. For example, in group homes and supported living settings where there can be a higher risk of financial exploitation.

All Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers and Home and Living Supports fall under the advanced category. They will need to register under the current registration model within the next 12 months.

No registration - purchase visibility level

Businesses that do not directly provide support to NDIS participants are not required to register. If you buy disability goods from retailers (such as ramps and grab rails), oversight is still important. However, purchasing arrangements will now include this oversight as part of the changes.

Why these recommendations?

The recommendations come on the back of the NDIS Review, which looked at the design, operation and sustainability of the scheme and how it could be made more responsive and supportive.

As it stands now, unregistered providers don’t need to undergo audits, compliance monitoring or risk assessments. As such, the recommended changes to registration are focused on improving checks around providers, tightening anti-fraud measures, and better protecting participants.

In a statement, NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said that while the vast majority of disability support workers are doing the right thing, it was important to protect people with disabilities from “shonky providers”.

He added that his department will now take the time to properly consider the recommendations and determine how to apply them.

The benefits of registration

While mandatory registration should provide multiple benefits for participants, there are also advantages for providers.

These include:

• Demonstration that you prioritise quality and safety for participants.
• Potential to enhance your business’s reputation and professionalism.
• Broadening your market.
• Access to a wider range of supports and training.

What to do next

While it’s not clear yet what the exact changes will be regarding registration, one thing is certain – there will be changes! And they are highly likely to be in line with the Taskforce’s recommendations.

This means that if you’re offering face-to-face services to NDIS participants and aren’t registered, you will almost certainly need to be in the future. If you are registered, you will need to need to consider which of the new levels applies to your business. 

If you are a platform provider, support coordinator and/ or SIL provider, the requirement to be registered will be more immediate and require registration under the current scheme.  Minister Shorten’s announcement says the government will consult with the disability community on the changes to the NDIS rules and the registration approach.  Whilst there are no set timeframes for registration from the government, any businesses who provide theses services should prioritise registration in the coming months. You don’t want to find yourself up against a hard deadline which may jeopardise your ability to deliver services to your participants. 

We’re here to help 

At RSM, we recommend getting registration-ready immediately. This includes assessing your risks, determining what your new registration will look like, and developing policies, procedures and processes that are unique to your business and operating context.

Talk to us about getting practical help with business planning, risk assessment, building your capability regarding NDIS compliance and more.