Following the results from the 2023 NDIS Review, all disability service providers will now be required to register with the NDIS.
This comes as a move to continue to provide quality and safe supports to people with disability and crack down on unregistered providers.
The implementation of the review’s findings remains unclear, particularly how these new changes will be enforced. However, on 12 February 2024, the office of the Hon. Bill Shorten MP published a media release with some key details.
A new NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce will be established to review the current registration process and recommend how to best overhaul it to deliver support services to people with disability.
The Taskforce will provide a report with advice and recommendations by mid-2024.
Until that time, the NDIS registration process remains as is. Let’s delve into how you can register with the NDIS as a service provider.
Despite it now being mandatory, registering with the NDIS can provide many benefits, including:
You will also work with several NDIS personnel, such as plan managers and support coordinators—who will help you connect with people with disability. However, these personnel may change due to the recommendations from the NDIS Review (as navigators will now be introduced for participants).
So, how do you become an NDIS-registered service provider? We’ve broken it down for you in five simple steps.
As an unregistered provider, you must provide crucial information about your organisation to meet the NDIS requirements.
Firstly, make sure you know exactly what type of supports you provide. Under the NDIS, supports fall into three categories:
The types of supports you provide will inform your funding and requirements from the NDIS. For example, if you’re a service provider that delivers more specialised supports, you will need to meet further compliance requirements to ensure the safety of the participants you support.
You should also have a list of the key personnel in your organisation. This includes the CEO, staff members, managers, and all members of the board of directors. If there are any changes to your personnel, you must update this.
Most importantly, you will need to ensure that all workers complete an NDIS Worker Screening Check. This checks if a person who works or wants to work with people with disability is suitable for work/does not pose a risk.
And finally, you will need to be familiar with the NDIS Practice Standards. These outline the quality of standards that NDIS providers must meet when delivering supports and services.
Now, it’s time to start a new application.
All providers must use the NDIS Commission Portal to apply.
At this stage, you will need to:
Once you submit your application, the NDIS Commission will email you an Initial Scope of Audit. This email will tell you whether you need a verification or certification audit and the type of information you will need to provide.
For detailed information on audits, read our blog on 5 Steps to Passing Your NDIS Audit.
It is your responsibility to find an approved auditor to undertake your audit. They will use the Initial Scope of Audit document to provide you with a quote on the costs of their services.
Now you’ve put in all the work and provided the necessary information, the NDIS Commission will review your application.
Typically, they will assess the findings of the audit and your documentation, as well as conduct a suitability assessment.
A suitability assessment will determine whether your organisation and your personnel can provide services safely. The NDIS Commission will look at any banning orders your organisation may have, past convictions of your personnel, or any instances of fraud or dishonesty.
Once the Commission has reviewed your application, they will make a decision.
If you are unsuccessful, you will be notified in writing about the decision. If you disagree with the outcome, you have three months to appeal the decision.
If you are successful, you will receive a certificate of registration. This will outline the services and supports you are authorised to provide, the period of registration, and any conditions you must follow.
Once you have successfully registered as an NDIS provider, you must always deliver services in line with the NDIS Practice Standards.
Typically, your NDIS registration is valid for three years. You must renew your registration after each period.
READ MORE: Maintaining compliance as an NDIS provider
Registering with the NDIS is a way to provide a quality benchmark for your organisation and team.
Beyond that, as the NDIS requirements shift, providers must now register with the NDIS to provide safe and quality supports to people with disability.
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As part of your obligations under the NDIS, you also need to meet certain requirements to maintain your compliance. Let’s explore this.