How to renew or register as an NDIS provider
July 2018 saw the introduction of a new independent agency, The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. The Commission is now operating in all states except WA. Its purpose is to improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services across Australia. The body has changed the way providers are audited and accredited. It is important to think about what it means for you.
Are you already registered as an NDIS Provider?
If you are an existing registered NDIS provider you will need to renew. The renewal is treated as an application. You must ensure you apply by the due date if you want to continue being registered. The due date is shown on your current certificate of registration or in a letter sent to you by the NDIS Quality Commission. Providers can submit a formal renewal in the final 6 months of their registration using the NDIS Commission Portal.
Are you a new provider wanting to become an NDIS Provider?
If you are in NSW, SA, VIC, ACT, QLD or NT you need to apply for registration. There are seven steps to registering with the NDIS Commission. The final step involves completing the online NDIS application form. Providers must have their policies and processes before the application can be lodged. As part of the application, providers must register within registration groups. These should closely align with the service/support being delivered. Follow our 7 Steps to Registration to find out how and what is required.
This Audit process applies until January 1 2020.
The NDIS Audit
As a new provider, your first audit starts when you have no participants. This is to obtain a ‘qualified certification’ and means you may start a service. After you commence your service you must undergo a second audit. We call this a 2 stage audit. The initial scope of audit needs an auditor to approve your policies and processes. The second audit requires an onsite assessment and interviews of staff and participants.
Do I need a Verification or Certification Audit?
Service providers registering for lower risk groups only need to undergo the Verification audit. They must show evidence of relevant qualifications and have incident, complaints and risk management policies and processes. Verification is a streamlined audit process that only requires an offsite inspection of documents.
Any providers registering for higher risk registration groups must undergo the Certification Audit. Core capabilities assessed under this process include:
How the provider manages risk
The provision of supports
The environment in which supports are provided
Governance and operational management.
Providers applying for complex supports must complete the NDIS Practice Standard’s core module. For some higher-risk supports, relevant supplementary modules need to be completed which are called Modules 1-5. If you are still confused about registration groups and audits, read our blog.
Read here about recent changes to the Audit process and how they may have affected you.
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