NDIS Compliance Documentation
Document Purpose: Internal reference for NDIS compliance requirements, quality standards, and regulatory obligations for Abilitive Pty Ltd.
NDIS PRACTICE STANDARDS
As a registered NDIS provider, Abilitive Pty Ltd must comply with the NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators.
Core Module Requirements
- Rights and Responsibilities
- Person-centred supports
- Individual values and beliefs respected
- Privacy and dignity maintained
- Independence and informed choice supported
- Violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination prevented
- Provider Governance and Operational Management
- Governance structure documented
- Risk management framework
- Quality management system
- Information management systems
- Provision of Supports
- Support planning with participants
- Service agreements in place
- Safe and effective service delivery
- Support plans reviewed and updated
- Support Provision Environment
- Safe physical environment
- Person-centred environment
- Equipment fit for purpose
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Reportable Incidents
The following must be reported to the NDIS Commission within 24 hours:
- Death of a participant
- Serious injury of a participant
- Abuse or neglect of a participant
- Unlawful sexual or physical contact
- Sexual misconduct
- Unauthorised use of restrictive practices
Incident Reporting Process
- Immediate Response: Ensure safety of all involved
- Document: Record incident details immediately
- Notify: Inform Coordinator/Manager within 2 hours
- Report: Submit to NDIS Commission within 24 hours (reportable incidents)
- Investigate: Conduct internal investigation
- Review: Implement preventive measures
- Follow-up: Provide 5-day and final reports as required
Incident Record Requirements
- Date, time, and location of incident
- Persons involved (staff, participants, witnesses)
- Description of what occurred
- Immediate actions taken
- Injuries or harm sustained
- Notifications made (emergency services, family, NDIS Commission)
- Outcome and follow-up actions
WORKER SCREENING
NDIS Worker Screening Check
All workers in risk-assessed roles must have a valid NDIS Worker Screening Check clearance.
- Apply via: Service Victoria (vic.gov.au)
- Validity: 5 years
- Cost: Paid by worker or employer
- Processing time: Allow 4-6 weeks
Risk-Assessed Roles Include:
- Direct support workers
- Supervisors of direct support workers
- Key personnel with authority over participant services
- Anyone with more than incidental contact with participants
Verification Requirements
- Verify clearance before worker commences
- Record clearance number and expiry date
- Set up renewal reminders
- Workers must notify of any changes affecting clearance
COMPLAINTS MANAGEMENT
Complaint Handling Process
- Receive: Accept complaint (verbal or written)
- Acknowledge: Within 2 business days
- Assess: Determine severity and required actions
- Investigate: Gather information from all parties
- Resolve: Implement appropriate resolution
- Respond: Notify complainant of outcome
- Record: Document complaint and resolution
- Review: Identify systemic issues and improvements
Complainant Rights
- Make complaints without fear of retribution
- Receive accessible information about complaints process
- Have complaints handled fairly and confidentially
- Receive timely response and updates
- Escalate to NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission if unsatisfied
RESTRICTIVE PRACTICES
Definition
Restrictive practices include any practice that restricts rights or freedom of movement with primary purpose of protecting from harm.
Types of Restrictive Practices
- Seclusion: Confining alone in room/area they cannot freely exit
- Chemical restraint: Medication to control behaviour
- Mechanical restraint: Device to restrict movement
- Physical restraint: Using body to restrict movement
- Environmental restraint: Restricting access to areas or items
Requirements
- Only used as last resort
- Authorised in participant’s behaviour support plan
- Implemented by trained staff only
- Subject to reporting requirements
- Regular review to reduce and eliminate
RECORD KEEPING
Required Records
- Participant Records: Service agreements, support plans, progress notes
- Staff Records: Clearances, training, qualifications
- Incident Records: All incidents and responses
- Complaint Records: All complaints and resolutions
- Financial Records: Invoices, claims, payments
Retention Requirements
- Participant records: 7 years after service ends (longer for minors)
- Financial records: 7 years
- Incident/complaint records: 7 years
- Staff records: 7 years after employment ends
KEY CONTACTS & RESOURCES
NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission
- Website: ndiscommission.gov.au
- Phone: 1800 035 544
- Complaints: Make a Complaint
- Incident Reporting: NDIS Commission Portal