A Guide to registered providers 5-minute read
Restrictive practices are measures used to restrict a person's movement, access to objects, or ability to communicate, with the aim of preventing harm to themselves or others. However, these practices can be harmful and restrictive practices must be implemented according to a set of rules and policies to protect the individual’s human rights.
In Victoria, the Department of Health, and Human Services (DHHS) has established a set of rules and policies for restrictive practices, in conjunction with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Here is a simple guide to Victorian Government's rules and policies on restrictive practices:
The DHHS prohibits the use of restrictive practices, except as a last resort, where there is no other way to prevent harm to the person or others.
Restrictive practices can only be used by trained staff who have been authorised to do so by the person's support team.
Any use of restrictive practices must be monitored and reviewed regularly by the person's support team and a behaviour specialist.
The person's consent must be obtained before using any restrictive practices, and the person must be informed about the reasons for using them, and how they will be implemented.
The use of restrictive practices must be documented and reported to the DHHS, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and the person's support team.
Any harm or injury resulting from the use of restrictive practices must be reported immediately to the DHHS and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
The Victorian Government's approach to restrictive practices differs from other states in Australia in that:
Victoria has developed its own set of rules and policies on restrictive practices, rather than relying solely on the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission's rules and policies.
Victoria has introduced additional safeguards, such as the requirement for regular monitoring and review of the use of restrictive practices by a behaviour specialist and the person's support team.
Victoria places a strong emphasis on obtaining the person's consent before using any restrictive practices.
In summary, the Victorian Government's rules and policies on restrictive practices aim to protect the human rights of individuals with disabilities, while allowing for the use of restrictive practices as a last resort. The Victorian approach differs from other states in Australia by placing a strong emphasis on obtaining the person's consent and introducing additional safeguards to monitor and review the use of restrictive practices.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Rules for Victorian Providers:
Step 1: The NDIS-registered behaviour support practitioner develops a behaviour support plan with assistance from the person’s service providers.
Step 2: The NDIS-registered behaviour support practitioner submits the behaviour support plan to the APO for approval.
Step 3: The APO approves the behaviour support plan and authorises the use of restrictive practices.
Step 4: The NDIS-registered behaviour support practitioner applies for approval from the Victorian Senior Practitioner for any additional restrictive practices that require further approval.
Step 5: The Victorian Senior Practitioner approves the restrictive practices in the BSP.
Step 6: Once the restrictive practices are authorised the NDIS behaviour support practitioner needs to upload the BSP and attach the letter of authorisation /approval from the Victorian Senior Practitioner onto the NDIS portal.
Step 7: Reporting the use of restrictive practices.
Step 8: Reviewing the BSP
According to the NDIS rules, an NDIS behaviour support practitioner is required to review an NDIS interim behaviour support plan after 6 months, and an NDIS comprehensive behaviour support plan at least every 12 months, or as soon as there are changes to the regulated restrictive practices used or intended to be used.
Sourced Victorian Government Website
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