If you’re a disability services provider looking to register with the NDIS, you may have a lot of questions. What is the process? What are the benefits? How much are the costs?
The registration process for the NDIS is free; however, the audit process is where your organisation may need to spend some money.
Let’s explore this further.
An audit is a review where an authority or person comes to your company and tests/checks the quality of your services/products.
In disability services, an NDIS audit is when an approved auditor examines your services to see if they comply with the current NDIS Practice Standards and are up-to-date.
There are two types of NDIS audits: verification and certification.
Verification is for any service providers who offer low/lower-risk supports and services, e.g. assistance with travel.
Usually, most providers are subject to the requirements of a professional regulation, e.g. the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and other bodies. This means that they must meet specific standards and continue to develop professionally.
For this type of audit, providers must provide evidence of:
Certification is for any service providers who offer high/higher-risk supports and services that are a little more complex, e.g. assistance with daily life tasks.
With this type of audit, providers are assessed against the NDIS Practice Standards. Auditors will review an organisation’s capabilities for the following:
For providers that offer more complex and specialist support, the auditor will assess the organisation against the High Intensity Supports Skills Descriptors (HISSD).
Both verified and certified providers have to renew their registration every 3 years and undergo an audit. Certified providers must have an audit during the middle of the registered period, so every 1.5 years.
So why have an audit? Firstly, it is part of the application process when registering to become an NDIS provider (it is also an ongoing requirement).
Once you have submitted your application, the NDIS Commission will send you an email with an Initial Scope of Audit document. You must provide this document to your auditor of choice.
Secondly, it ensures compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards—providing you and your organisation with quality assurance so people with disability can receive safe, quality supports and services.
And lastly, audits are a great way to ensure your organisation continuously monitors how it delivers services and supports. It allows you to identify gaps and improve your services—ensuring you provide high-quality supports, inspiring more confidence from those you support, and enhancing your brand reputation.
Currently, providers cover the costs of these audits—neither the NDIS nor the NDIS Commission offer any rebates.
However, this may change as more details and action points from the 2023 NDIS Review emerge.
The true cost of the audits will vary depending on the type, but providers can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 to $3,000. Specialist service providers may have to pay more.
Costs will also depend on who you choose to be your auditor. Click here for a list of auditors by state and territory.
READ MORE: Maintaining compliance as an NDIS provider
People with disability deserve high-quality supports that are delivered to them in a safe environment.
An NDIS audit helps disability service providers meet the NDIS requirements and ensure they provide such services to those they support. While costs vary, it is a small price to pay in the long run.
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