WA NDIS My Way – Operational Policy
Plan Management Decisions
Scope
This operational policy applies to plans developed in WA NDIS My Way sites.
Introduction
As part of the WA NDIS My Way planning process, decisions will be made with each
individual about how the funding for plan supports will be managed.
Managing the funding for supports in a plan means:
 Receiving and managing any funding provided;
 Purchasing or providing the supports identified in the plan (including paying any
applicable indirect costs associated with the supports, e.g. tax, insurances);
 Implementing safeguards as outlined in the plan;
 Responsibility for the quality of the service being delivered; and
 Acquitting the funds and meeting other agreed accountability requirementsi.
There are two funding management options available to people in WA NDIS My Way
sites:
1. self-managed by the individual receiving supports or their representativeii; and
2. organisation managed by a preferred disability service provider (including
shared management arrangements).
The plan management decision does not necessarily apply across the whole plan;
supports outlined in the plan may be managed differently from one another.
The My Way Coordinator should discuss the plan management options and
associated tasks and responsibilities with each individual. This allows individuals to
make informed decisions that maximise their choice and control. The individual may
find discussion of the following areas beneficial:
 Which management option, or combination of options, is likely to contribute to
positive outcomes for the person with disability;
 Which supports may be suited to particular forms of management;
 Which management option is most consistent with the individual’s preferred
level of control and acceptance of responsibility;
 Whether strategies could be put in place to enhance the capacity of the
individual to manage their plan;
 The practical considerations such as record-keeping and acquittal
requirements involved in self-management.
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Operating principles
People with disability, their families and carers are in the best position to determine
their own needs and goals, and to plan for the future.
People with disability have the same right as other members of society to participate
in, direct and implement the decisions that affect their lives
The lives of people with disability, their families and carers are enhanced when they
can determine their preferred supports and services and exercise control over the
resources as detailed in the plan, to the extent that they desire and have capacity for.
People with disability have a life-long capacity for learning, development and
contribution and these capacities may change over time.
Implementation
This operational policy will be implemented in WA NDIS My Way trial sites.
1. Self-management
Where the person with disability or their representative (hereafter referred to as ‘the
individual’) wishes to self-manage WA NDIS My Way funds, a decision about the
individual’s ability to meet self-management responsibilities will be made.
This decision is based on the individual’s ability to:
 make informed decisions;
 understand and meet accountability requirements; and
 expend funds in a way that is consistent with the approved plan strategies.
My Way Coordinators will also consider the following additional matters:
 The complexity of the support arrangements
 The monetary value of the support.
 The degree of support available from family, friends and the community for the
individual.
 The individual’s capacity to manage without significant additional support from
the WA NDIS My Way.
 Whether the person with disability’s property or affairs are wholly or partly
managed by another formally appointed person/entity.
 The vulnerability of the individual to physical, mental or financial harm,
exploitation or undue influence.
 Whether the individual has an interest that may pose a risk to self-managed
funding being spent in accordance with the approved plan.
 The availability of strategies to reduce risk that safeguard the plan
implementation, such as regular plan monitoring by the coordinator, regular
contact with the individual and monitored payment arrangements.
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
Ongoing monitoring of the plan and periodic plan review will include
consideration of the effectiveness of the plan management models selected.
Individuals who are insolvent under administration are precluded from self-managing
any component of their funding.
2. Organisation-managed
The individual, with support from the My Way Coordinator if appropriate, will identify
service providers that may be suitable to manage the funding under the plan. The
individual will then select an organisation to provide their supports or may choose to
share management of the fundingiii with an organisation. Service providers must be
on the Commission’s Panel Contract for Individually Funded Servicesiv.
Review of decision
Decisions in WA NDIS My Way trial sites in relation to plan management requests are
reviewable decisionsv. The individual will be advised of the decision, that it is a
reviewable decision and of the review process.
Related documentation
Disability Services Act 1993, Regulations
Shared Management Policy November 2011, Disability Services Commission
National Disability Insurance Scheme (Plan Management) Rules 2013
National Disability Insurance Scheme Operational Guideline – Planning and
Assessment – Plan Management Decision, 9 December 2013
WA NDIS My Way Operational Policy - Reviewing and Appealing WA NDIS My Way
Decisions
My Way Direct Funding Accountability Framework, November 2013
Date
Noted by Corporate Executive at the meeting of 30 May 2014
Review date
30 June 2016 or earlier if required
i
My Way Direct Funding Accountability Framework, November 2013
Self-management of funding may be undertaken by the individual, an informally
selected representative (such as a parent or spouse) or by formal appointment (such
as a Guardian or Administrator, to the degree that it reflects the terms of the formal
appointment). See also WA NDIS My Way Operational Policy - Supporting Decision
Making.
ii
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iii
Shared Management Policy November 2011, Disability Services Commission
A list of panel contract service providers is available at
http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/services-support-and-eligiblity/services-supports-andeligibility-new/services/directory-of-service-providers-/
v WA NDIS My Way Operational Policy - Reviewing and Appealing WA NDIS My
Way Decisions
iv
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