The NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce was established to provide advice on recommendations from the NDIS review. Their report is extensive, spanning 117 pages. To create their advice, the Taskforce consulted with various advisory groups, held roundtable discussions, and conducted online consultations with participants, families, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders.
Key areas of proposed changes include:
NDIS provider registration and obligations
Audit and provider compliance processes
Support workers' training and responsibilities
The Taskforce suggests these registration categories:
Advanced Registration: This category is for high-risk supports, such as group homes, supported employment, and behaviour support services. Providers in this group would undergo audits by the NDIS Commission instead of the current system, where providers choose their auditors.
General Registration: This is for the usual providers who deliver services to most participants, including personal care, community access, therapy, and high-intensity daily personal activities. They will continue to have a choice of approved auditors.
Self-Directed Support Registration: This significant change would apply to participants or guardians who manage and engage support workers directly, such as those using Mable or Hire Up. Participants under this category could still use unregistered providers, as they will be part of the participant’s registration process. The Taskforce recommends offering courses and programs to help self-managing participants understand their responsibilities, with regular check-ins and NDIS reviews of their registrations.
Basic Registration: This category remains somewhat unclear and needs further development. It includes social and community participant services, possibly covering groups that organise activities.
What can you do in respect to the upcoming adjustments?
Review the Report:
Take time to thoroughly review reports and check out the DSC or NDS, to understand the proposed changes in detail. Gathering every bit of information and research always puts you out in front of the competition.
Monitor for Updates:
Keep an eye out for further updates from the Lama Care Team. We are always scouring for the latest news, through various channels. Staying informed is important.
Prepare for Potential Changes:
Start considering how your business might need to adjust if these recommendations are implemented. This could involve planning for new audit processes, revisiting compliance strategies, or considering the implications of different registration categories. The Lama Care Team are working on more posts about the audit process, for new and unregistered providers.
If it is likely you will fall under the new Advanced Registration category, it might be time to start evaluating what changes might be necessary to meet the new audit requirements with a NDIS auditor.
Training and Development:
Look into potential training programs or support resources that could help your staff meet new obligations. Particular attention should be given to your person-centred approaches.
Look at the potential financial impact of these changes, especially regarding the cost of audits and compliance with new regulations. If you are unregistered it may be wise to budget for potential fees associated with audits.
Advocacy and Feedback:
Consider providing feedback when the Commission/NDIS or when the sector asks. Sharing your concerns or suggestions can help influence how these recommendations are implemented, particularly on issues like participant choice, control, and the cost burden on small providers.
Below are links to the full report, which provides more detailed insights into what these changes might mean for your business. There are still many unanswered questions about how these changes will impact choice and control for participants, as well as concerns about potential costs, especially for smaller providers.
It’s a lot to take in, but being prepared means that your business can continue on with a minimum of adjustment, when the time comes. It’s important to continue focusing on delivering high-quality, participant-centred services that prioritise safety and well-being until there is more clarity and formalisation of these changes.
We wish you well, as always
The Lama Care Team
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