There are upcoming changes to the NDIS that you should be aware of. NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has announced that platform providers, Support Coordinators, and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers will soon need to register with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
We have written previously about the NDIS Provider Registration Taskforce, established in response to the NDIS Review. Some of these planned changes are the first steps in implementing the Taskforce’s recommendations.
Read the full recommendations here: Summary of Advice: NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce | Department of Social Services, Australian Government (dss.gov.au)
Why Is This Happening?
These changes come from recommendations made by the NDIS Provider and Workforce Registration Taskforce, which looked at how to improve the NDIS for participants. The goal is to make sure that all providers offer safe, reliable, and high-quality support.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission have previously conducted Own Motion inquiries into Supported Accommodation, Support Coordination and Plan Management, and Platform Providers, based on the risks associated with these supports and services. Of these, Plan Management is already required to be delivered by registered providers.
What Does This Mean for You?
These changes are focused on ensuring that the providers you rely on meet a standard level of care and accountability. There will be a transition period, which means there will be time for providers to adapt to these new rules, and you should not experience any immediate disruptions to your services. The Commission is planning to begin a consultation process with NDIS participants and providers in October 2024, to explore how providers can be supported to transition from unregistered to registered.
However, there is no doubt that there may be significant changes to the provider landscape. If you are using a support coordinator or SIL provider that is not registered, for example, you may wish to discuss this with the provider. The registration process consumes time and resources, and some smaller providers or sole traders may find it daunting.
Will More Changes Happen?
The government has prioritised this change for provider registration, but they will continue working closely with the disability community, including participants, to decide on any further changes. Importantly, the Government has said that any additional changes will be planned with input from people who use NDIS services.
For now, there is no need to worry or make any changes yourself. Your current services will continue as normal, and your providers will have time to adjust to these new requirements. We will keep you updated with any important information as more details become available.
If you have any concerns or questions, reach out to your support coordinator or NDIS contact for more information.
For more information you can read the official media release from the Ministers office here Stronger registration to begin for NDIS sector | Department of Social Services Ministers (dss.gov.au).
The Commission also has a news page here: Important information for platform providers, support coordinators, and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers | NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (ndiscommission.gov.au)
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