Standards to become a Registered NDIS Provider remain high with the new Federal Government

Following the recent Federal Election, the then National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Minister Linda Reynolds described the passage of the NDIS Amendment (Participant Service Guarantee and Other Measures) Bill 2021 as “the most significant improvements to participant experience since the NDIS was established in 2013.” This bill is said to “remove red tape and increase flexibility for participants, their families, and carers.”

Prior to the Bill, the NDIS Amendment (Improving Supports for At Risk Participants) Act was passed in October 2021 to better protect NDIS participants from the risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

If your business is looking to become a registered NDIS Provider, we take a look at how the Government is supporting this scheme and what this means for you.

What does this mean for those wanting to become registered NDIS Providers?

In early 2022, the new NDIS Minister, Bill Shorten, announced the release of a $5m investment in grants that “will assist participants to get the best supports through the NDIS by building the capacity of providers to deliver quality service.” Minister Shorten also announced the Government will crack down on providers overcharging for services claimed on the NDIS as well as clear the backlog of thousands of legal appeals for funding.

The big picture: standards for operating as a NDIS Provider remain high.

Does this change the audit requirement and process to register as a provider for the NDIS?

No. All providers seeking registration are still required to undertake an audit against the applicable NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. Your organisation demonstrates compliance by showing how your organisation meets those requirements during the assessment process.

The steps to become a Registered NDIS Provider, including the audit process with QMS Certification Services, are simplified below:

1. The application to become a registered provider is submitted to the NDIS Commission.
2. An Initial Scope of Audit document will be sent to you upon completion of the application. The Scope document will identify the type of audit your organisation requires, based on the supports you have applied to deliver.
3. When you have received the Initial Scope, QMS Certification Services can provide you with a proposal for your NDIS audit. Please email your Initial Scope of Audit to: ndis@qms.com.au.
4. If you would like to proceed with our auditing services, sign the proposal and send through your Application Reference Number (ARN) so that we can accept your application in the NDIS Commission’s Portal.
5. An auditor will be assigned to conduct your audit.
6. The audit date is scheduled with the auditor.
7. The audit is completed, and the final audit report is reviewed by a QMS Certification Services’ Technical Reviewer.
8. The recommendation and audit report are submitted to the NDIS Commission; the final audit report is provided to you as well.
9. The NDIS Commission reviews and advises you of your provider registration status.

Talk to QMS today about organising your NDIS Audit!