Become An NDIS Provider WA

The new NDIS registration process does not apply in Western Australia until 1st July 2020. Up to that date, registration with the Western Australia Disability Services Provider panel will still apply and worker screening will continue at state or territory level.

NDIS providers in WA need to be aware of the new arrangements and be prepared for when they come into force. That includes checking all recorded details are up-to-date and accurate before they are transferred to the new scheme.

When the new scheme becomes operative, any existing NDIS providers registered with the NDIA will be automatically transferred to the NDIS. However, any pending applications, both for new providers and those wishing to extend services and support, will not be transferred and must be resubmitted to the NDIS Commission. Additionally, anyone wishing to become an NDIS provider in WA will have to submit their application to the NDIS Commission after the start date.

Registered providers must:

• comply with the NDIS conditions of registration, the NDIS Practice Standards, worker screening requirements and the NDIS Code of Conduct
• have an in-house incident management system, notifying reportable incidents to the NDIS Commission
• support participants who wish to make a complaint and have a complaints management and resolution system in place
• if appropriate, conform to behaviour support requirements and report any restrictive practices to the NDIS Commission
• be able to pass a suitability assessment that will look at any previous registration, whether it or key employees have banning orders, convictions, adverse findings, enforcement actions, disqualifications or insolvency
• put all employees through a worker orientation module that covers their roles and responsibilities, human rights, respect and risk.

Information and guidance are available from the NDIS Commission to help you meet your requirements. After registration, your performance will be monitored for compliance and any breaches can result in suspension or the registration being varied or revoked.

Although the registration requirements for NDIS can appear daunting, they are designed to be proportionate so that smaller providers don’t have to supply as much information as those with a large number of workers and participants. This includes the auditing stage of the registration application, where small providers with limited services will undergo a desktop audit (verification) while larger ones will have a more detailed, on-site audit (certification).

The verification process will look at documentation that covers insurance, qualifications, skills and professional body membership plus how complaints and incidents are dealt with. Certification deals with risk management, support provision, operational management and governance. Modules relevant to the type of support provided must be completed and support workers have to meet specified standards.

Submission of the application and completion of the audit will be followed by assessment by the NDIS Commission and an eventual decision. We can help you through the process and ensure that success is the more likely outcome. With our knowledge and experience, the process will seem less complex and will be completed quicker and with greater certainty. And with our extensive training programmes, we can ensure workers meet all requirements.