Compulsory Registration for NDIS Providers: How to Meet the New Compliance Requirements

The NDIS landscape is changing for providers, and if you’re not prepared, your business could face significant challenges. With new registration requirements for platform providers, support coordinators and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers set to roll out, the stakes have never been higher.

In this blog, we’ll unpack the upcoming changes, explain how they’ll affect your business and provide actionable steps to help you stay ahead of the curve.

What’s changing and why does it matter?

On the 16th of September 2024, the Australian Government introduced new registration requirements in response to the recommendations made in August 2024 by the NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce. These registration changes will apply to all platform providers, support coordinators and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers.

The changes to registration criteria are intended to ensure higher compliance, improved safety standards and better outcomes for participants. Key highlights include:

• Enhanced vetting processes for all platform providers,
• Additional compliance checks for SIL providers, and
• New reporting obligations for support coordinators.

Previously, mandatory registration was only required for plan managers, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) providers, specialist behaviour support providers and anyone implementing restrictive practices. All other NDIS providers were able to decide whether or not they’d like to register their business.

However, the upcoming changes will mean that registration will no longer be a choice for many providers but a requirement instead. Smaller, non-registered providers will now need to assess whether to take the leap into full registration or risk losing their client base to registered competitors.

How to prepare your business

Based on the NDIS Commission’s Regulatory Reform Roadmap, the mandatory registration timeline covers the following planned activities:

• From October 2024 – March 2025: Consultation commences and online surveys open.
• From November 2024: Online town hall events, discussion papers released and submissions open.
• From December 2024 to March 2025: Regulatory forums.
• No earlier than 1 July 2025: Platform providers, SIL services and support coordination services commence the transition into mandatory registration.

As an NDIS provider, reviewing and updating your current systems and operations in line with the upcoming changes will take time, so starting your preparations early can ensure a smooth transition. Here are a few tips to help you navigate these changes.

Understand the changes

To comply with the new NDIS registration requirements, you’ll need a clear understanding of what’s changing and how it impacts your operations. Start by reviewing the new requirements. Stay informed by reading official NDIS updates, announcements and guidelines on the new compulsory registration requirements.

The NDIS frequently conducts webinars and information sessions to help providers understand updates. These are great opportunities to ask questions and gain insights directly from the source.

It can also help to join forums, industry networks or groups where other providers discuss challenges and share solutions related to the new requirements.

NDIS providers won’t be able to plead ignorance. Instead, by taking the time to thoroughly understand the changes, you’ll be able to ensure compliance and prevent penalties or disruptions to your service delivery.

Start the registration process early

The registration process itself can be time-consuming, so it can help to get started now to avoid any last-minute rushes. As a registered NDIS provider, you’ll need to meet a number of conditions, including compliance with the applicable NDIS Practice Standards, compliance with the NDIS Code of Conduct and implementing effective systems and practices to name a few.

In terms of the registration process, there are two registration pathways available to NDIS providers: Verification and Certification. The pathway you choose depends on the type of services you offer and your intended participant base. The registration requirements vary significantly across the two pathways, so it’s essential to make sure you choose the right one for your business.

The Verification pathway is for providers who offer lower-risk or less complex services or supports, including:

• Therapeutic supports (EG. occupational therapists, physiotherapists),
• Equipment suppliers (EG. assistive technology providers), or
• Plan management services.

As part of the Verification pathway, you have to demonstrate compliance with four key areas of the NDIS Practice Standards, including:

1. Risk Management
2. Quality Management
3. Incident Management
4. Complaints Management

This pathway involves a desktop audit, where documentation is reviewed by an approved quality auditor. Consequently, the Verification pathway is typically quicker and less costly than the Certification pathway.

Certification is designed for providers delivering higher-risk or more complex services that involve direct participant interaction or higher levels of participant vulnerability, such as:

• Supported Independent Living (SIL),
• Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA),
• Behaviour support services, and
• Community nursing care.

Under the Certification pathway, you must demonstrate full compliance with all relevant NDIS Practice Standards and develop detailed policies and procedures that are specific to the services provided.

As part of the process, you’ll be subject to a two-step audit process that involves a desktop audit followed by an on-site audit to assess your operations, including interviews with staff and participants. As a result, the Verification pathway is more time-consuming, resource-heavy and costly than the Certification route.

Regardless of which registration pathway you follow, starting early reduces stress, ensures a thorough application and minimises the risk of delays or denials.

Develop a compliance checklist

Compliance is at the heart of NDIS registration and having a detailed compliance checklist ensures you meet all the requirements.

• Worker screening: All staff must complete the NDIS Worker Screening Check. Be sure to track expiration dates and renewal deadlines.
• Incident reporting: Establish clear processes for documenting and reporting incidents in line with NDIS guidelines.
• Financial management: Demonstrate sound financial practices, including participant fund management and transparent record-keeping.
• Participant outcomes: Develop and maintain participant-focused policies that align with the NDIS Practice Standards.

By implementing a checklist, you’ll be better positioned to reduce the likelihood of overlooking critical requirements while providing yourself with a clear roadmap for compliance.

Invest in training

While it’s essential that you’re aware of the new compliance and registration requirements, it’s equally important that your staff know what’s expected of them. The new registration requirements are likely to bring enhanced compliance and reporting obligations. Upskilling your staff ensures your business is prepared to meet these demands.

Here’s how to bring your staff up to speed:

• Compliance training: Educate staff on the updated NDIS Practice Standards and their role in maintaining compliance.
• Incident and complaints management: Train employees to handle incidents and complaints in a way that aligns with NDIS standards.
• Ongoing development: Encourage staff to pursue professional development opportunities that enhance their ability to provide high-quality support.

Trained staff can efficiently handle compliance requirements, improve participant outcomes and reduce the risk of audit failures or penalties.

There’s no denying that change can be daunting, but with the right tools and preparation, your business can adapt and thrive under the new requirements. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take proactive steps today to ensure your compliance and secure your place in the NDIS ecosystem

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