Provider Registration
Guide to suitability requirements
The following table lists the criteria used to assess suitability to provide supports.
The NDIS has a catalogue of support items that can be funded. The support items have been
grouped into ‘support clusters’ to help simplify the registration process so that you do not have to
register for individual support items.
Contents
Provider Registration Guide to suitability requirements ........................................................... 1
Specialist Disability Services Support Clusters ............................................................................. 2
Specialised support clusters: support co-ordination and funding management ............................. 4
Training and skill development support clusters ........................................................................... 5
Professional support clusters ....................................................................................................... 6
Non-specialist services support clusters ....................................................................................... 9
Assistive technology and equipment clusters ............................................................................. 10
Home and vehicle modification support clusters ......................................................................... 12
State & Territory Requirements for Specialist Disability Providers .............................................. 13
Requirements for new specialist disability providers in South Australia .................................. 13
Requirements for new and existing specialist disability providers in Tasmania ....................... 14
Requirements for new specialist disability providers in Tasmania ........................................... 14
Requirements for specialist disability providers in Victoria ...................................................... 17
Requirements for new specialist disability providers in ACT ................................................... 20
Requirements for new specialist disability providers in New South Wales .............................. 21
Appendix 1: Requirements for providers of disability supports............................................. 23
Specialist Disability Services Support Clusters
Providers wishing to register for Specialist Disability Support Clusters must:


Be registered, approved or compliant with the requirements for registration or approval as a specialist disability service, community care or Home and
Community Care provider with Australian, state or territory government in the state or territory in which supports will be provided. This includes Quality
Assurance / Management systems compliance. The NDIA will liaise with the states and territories to verify providers already funded as Specialist
Disability Providers, however, including evidence of existing approvals in your application will help fast track the process. New providers or providers
wishing to expand their services should refer to the state requirements for new providers in this document.
Submit evidence of a successful national police records check or working with children, people with disability and/or vulnerable persons checks as
required under Australian or state or territory government legislation or funding agreements. For larger organisations employing multiple staff and/ or
contractors, please submit evidence of the process to ensure staff and contractors have a national police records checks or a working with children,
people with disability and/or vulnerable persons check as required under Australian or state or territory government legislation or funding agreements.
Support Cluster
Provider Portal Name:
Assist Access/Maintain Employ
Professions
Evidence of experience
 Rehabilitation Counsellor
 Disability Support Worker
Please provide details of delivery of
delivery of person centred services
in the community or in the home and
working with people with disability
seeking employment, training for
employment, or building and
delivering sustainable employment
opportunities.
 Disability Support Worker
 Teacher
 Integration Aid
Please provide details working with
children with disability in an
educational setting.
Assistance to access and maintain
employment
Workplace assistance enables a participant to
successfully obtain and/or retain employment
in the open or supported labour market.
Provider Portal Support Cluster Name:
Assist-Integrate School/Ed
Assistance to integrate into school or other
educational program
This support cluster incorporates assistance to
enable a participant to attend and participate in
school or educational programs.
March 2015
Capacity Requirements
Evidence of:
 Facilities and Equipment
 Financial Viability
 Quality Assurance
 Risk Management
 Specialist Disability Service
State Approval
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
 Facilities and Equipment
 Financial Viability
 Quality Assurance
 Risk Management
 Specialist Disability Service
State Approval
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
Page 2
Support Cluster
Professions
Evidence of experience
Provider Portal Name:
Assist-Personal Activities
 Disability Support Worker
 Welfare worker
Assistance with daily personal activities
Assisting with and/or supervising personal
tasks of daily life to enable the participant to
live as autonomously as possible. These
individual supports and can be provided in a
range of environments, including but not
limited to, the participant’s own home.
Provider Portal Name:
Daily Tasks/Shared Living
Please provide details of delivery of
person centred services in the
community or in the home and
delivery of supports to assist people
with disability with development of
their skills and abilities.
 Disability Support Worker
 Welfare worker
Please provide details of delivery of
person centred services in the
community or in the home and
delivery of supports to assist people
with disability with development of
their skills and abilities.
 Facilities and Equipment
 Financial Viability
 Quality Assurance
 Risk Management
 Specialist Disability Service
State Approval
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
 Disability Support Worker
 Welfare Worker
Please provide details of experience
in delivery of person centred
services in the community or in the
home and in the delivery of supports
to assist people with disability with
development of their skills and
abilities.
 Complaints Process
 Facilities and Equipment
 Financial Viability
 Quality Assurance
 Risk Management
 Specialist Disability Service
State Approval
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
Assistance with daily life tasks in a group
or shared living arrangement
This support cluster incorporates assistance
with and/or supervising tasks of daily life in a
shared living environment, which is either
temporary or ongoing, with a focus on
developing the skills of each individual to live
as autonomously as possible
Provider Portal Name:
Participate Community
Participation in community, social and civic
activities
Assisting participants to participate actively in
community, social and civic activities; includes
supporting participants during these activities,
and developing participants’ ability to partake
in these activities.
March 2015
Capacity Requirements
Evidence of:
 Facilities and Equipment
 Financial Viability
 Quality Assurance
 Risk Management
 Specialist Disability Service
State Approval
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
Page 3
Specialised support clusters: support co-ordination and funding management
If delivering support co-ordination and funding management clusters solely as a Specialist Disability Service, providers must be registered or approved or
compliant with the requirements for registration or approval as a specialist disability service provider with Australian, state or territory government in the
state or territory in which supports will be provided. Please see the state requirements in this document.
Support Cluster
Provider Portal Name:
Assist-Life Stage, Transition
Professions
 Disability Support Worker
 Occupational Therapist
 Social Worker
Assistance in coordinating or managing life
stages, transitions and supports
This cluster includes short and long-term
supports that focus on strengthening the
participant’s ability to coordinate their supports,
and to assist them to live at home and
participate in their community.
Provider Portal Name:
Plan Management
Management of funding for supports in
participants plan
This support focuses on strengthening the
participant’s ability to undertake tasks
associated with the management of their
supports. Plan management is the financial
management of the plan supports including
making payments to providers, expense claims
processing, developing monthly statements for
participants and claiming for payment from
NDIA.
March 2015
Evidence of experience
Please provide details of delivery of
person centred services in the
community or in their home.
For peer support – lived experience
of disability or mental illness and
relevant experiences and skills or
training to perform this activity
Capacity Requirements
Evidence of:
 Risk Management
 Specialist Disability Service
State Approval
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
IF Diploma in Disability Services
studies provide details of at least two
years of experience
 Disability Support Worker
 Accountant/Bookkeeper
IF Certificate III in Disability Services
provide details of substantial years
of relevant experience and specialist
skills sufficient to perform these
activities
Please provide details of skills and
experience in financial management
of funding and working with people
with disability.
 Financial Viability
 Insurance
 Risk Management
 Specialist Disability Service
State Approval
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
Page 4
Training and skill development support clusters
If delivering training and skill development support clusters solely as a Specialist Disability Service, providers must be registered or approved or compliant
with the requirements for registration or approval as a Specialist Disability Service with Australian, state or territory government in the state or territory in
which supports will be provided. Please see the state requirements in this document.
Support Cluster
Professions
Evidence of experience
Provider Portal Name:
Development-Life Skills
 Disability Support Worker
 Welfare worker
Please provide details of experience
in providing training and supports to
people with disability.
Development of daily living and life skills
Development of daily living and life skills
focuses on training and development activities
undertaken by the participant or their carer to
increase their ability to live as autonomously as
possible.
Provider Portal Name:
Training-Travel Independence
 Disability Support Worker
 Welfare Worker
Please provide details of experience
in providing training and supports to
people with disability.
Training for independence in travel and
transport
Supports in this cluster focus on assisting the
participant with specific skills development that
will enhance the ability of the participant to
travel and use public transport independently.
This includes training in driving, using adapted
equipment or vehicle modification.
March 2015
Capacity Requirements
Evidence of:
 Complaints Process
 Facilities and Equipment
 Insurance
 Specialist Disability Service
State Approval
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
 Complaints Process
 Facilities and Equipment
 Insurance
 Specialist Disability Service
State Approval
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
Page 5
Professional support clusters
If delivering professional support clusters solely as a Specialist Disability Service, providers need to be registered or approved or compliant with the
requirements for registration or approval as a specialist disability service provider with Australian, state or territory government in the state or territory in
which supports will be provided. Please see the state requirements in this document.
Support Cluster
Provider Portal Name:
Assess-Skill, Ability, Needs
Specialised assessment of skills, abilities
and needs
This cluster is the provision of specialised
assessment where the participant may have
complex or unclear needs or requires long
term and/or intensive supports.
Provider Portal Name:
Behaviour support
Professions
Community nursing care for high needs
This is the provision of specialist care for
participants who have high care needs. This
involves support from a person with a high
level of training to respond to the participant’s
complex needs.
March 2015
Capacity Requirements
Evidence of:
 Facilities and Equipment
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
 Registered Nurse
 Occupational Therapist
 Orthoptist
 Podiatrist
 Psychologist
 Physiotherapist
 Social Worker
 Speech and Language
Pathologist
 Occupational Therapist
 Registered Psychologist
 Social Worker
Provide details of ongoing
professional / clinician supervision
and development in place.
Details of experience of staff
(minimum 2 years) working with
people with disability who have
challenging behaviours.
AND
Provide details of ongoing
professional / clinician supervision
and development in place.
 Specialist Disability Service
State Approval
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
 Registered Nurse
Provide details of ongoing
professional / clinician supervision
and development in place.
 Facilities and Equipment
 Specialist Disability Service
State Approval
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
Behaviour support includes a plan developed
that aims to limit the likelihood of behaviours of
concern developing and /or increasing.
Provider Portal Name:
Community Nursing Care
Evidence of experience
Page 6
Support Cluster
Provider Portal Name:
Early Childhood Supports
Early intervention supports for early
childhood
Provision of a mix of therapies, and a key
worker for the family.
Provider Portal Name:
Equipment Special Assess Setup
Assistive technology specialist
assessment, set up and training
This includes assistance to a participant by
skilled personnel in aids or equipment
assessment, set up and training.
March 2015
Professions
 Occupational Therapist
 Psychologist
 Physiotherapist
 Social Worker
 Speech and Language
Pathologist
 Teacher
 Audiologist
 Audiometrist
 Dietician
 Registered Nurse
 Occupational Therapist
 Occupational Therapist
(with driver assessment
qualification)
 Orthoptist
 Orthotics
 Pedorthist
 Physiotherapist
 Podiatrist
 Prosthetics
 Rehabilitation Engineer
 Speech and Language
Pathologist
Evidence of experience
Please provide details of ongoing
professional development in place.
AND
Experience in early childhood
interventions with children with
disability
AND
Experience in providing service
within a trans disciplinary framework.
Please provide details of experience
relevant to the specific technology
you wish to provide assessment, set
up and training of:
 Home Enteral Nutrition
 Hearing devices
 Communication equipment
 Continence products
 Vision equipment
 Household management
equipment
 Transfer equipment
 Home modification and access
design
 Orthotic selection and/or
manufacture
 Prosthetic selection and
manufacture
 Mobility equipment
 Specialised seating
 Computer and other technology
 Environment control unit
Capacity Requirements
Evidence of:
 Complaints Process
 Facilities and Equipment
 Specialist Disability Service
State Approval
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
Page 7
Support Cluster
Provider Portal Name:
Therapeutic supports
Therapeutic supports are provided to assist the
participant to apply their functional skills to
improve participation and independence in
daily, practical activities in areas such as
Language and communication, Personal care,
Mobility and movement, Interpersonal
interactions and Community living.
Provider Portal Name:
Physical Wellbeing
Physical wellbeing activities
Physical wellbeing activities promote and
encourage physical well-being, including
exercise and healthy diets.
Provider Portal Name:
Interpret/Translate
Interpreting and translation
Interpreting and translation focuses on
assistance to the participant to enable
independent communication in essential
personal, social or community activities where
translation is not available from a mainstream
service.
March 2015
Professions
Evidence of experience
Capacity Requirements
Evidence of:
 Facilities and Equipment
 Specialist Disability Service
State Approval
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
 Art Therapist
 Counsellor
 Music Therapist
 Registered Nurse
 Occupational Therapist
 Orthoptist
 Podiatrist
 Psychologist
 Physiotherapist
 Social Worker
 Speech and Language
Pathologist
 Exercise Physiologist
 Dietician
 Personal Trainer
Provide details of ongoing
professional / clinician supervision
and development in place.
Please provide details of experience
working with people with disability
relevant to this support.
 Complaints Process
 Facilities and Equipment
 Insurance
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
 Interpreter/Translator
Please provide details of experience
relevant to this support
 Complaints Process
 Insurance
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
Page 8
Non-specialist services support clusters
Support Cluster
Provider Portal Name:
Accommodation/Tenancy
Accommodation/Tenancy assistance
Includes support for a participant to ensure that
they obtain or retain appropriate
accommodation. This can include guidance or
undertaking work on a participant’s behalf.
Provider Portal Name:
Assist-Travel/Transport
Assistance with travel/transport
arrangements
This focuses on the provision of transport to
enable participation in community, social,
economic and daily life activities. This includes,
but is not limited to, taxis and other community
transport arrangements.
Provider Portal Name:
Household tasks
Household tasks enable the participant to
maintain their home environment. This may
involve undertaking essential household tasks
that the participant is not able to undertake.
March 2015
Professions
Evidence of experience
 Social Worker
 Welfare Worker
 Disability Support Worker
Please provide details of experience
working with people with disability
relevant to this support
Capacity Requirements
Evidence of:
 Complaints Process
 Facilities and Equipment
 Insurance
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
Please provide details of experience
working with people with disability
relevant to this support.
 Complaints Process
 Facilities and Equipment
 Insurance
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
 Relevant Licences
Please provide details of experience
related the services you intend to
provide (meal preparation and
delivery, house maintenance, yard
maintenance, cleaning and linen).
 Complaints Process
 Facilities and Equipment
 Insurance
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
 Food Services State
Requirement Compliance (if
providing food services)
 May require Specialist Disability
Service State Approval
Page 9
Assistive technology and equipment clusters
Support Cluster
Provider Portal Name:
Assistive Equip-Recreation
Assistive equipment for recreation
This includes aids and equipment used in
competitive and non-competitive sports and
other recreational pursuits.
Provider Portal Name:
Assistive Prod-Household Task
Assistive products for household tasks
Aids and equipment to enable participants to
undertake cooking, cleaning, washing, home
maintenance and other tasks.
Provider Portal Name:
Assist Prod-Pers Care/Safety
Assistive products for personal care and
safety
Aids and equipment for personal care or safety
including beds and pressure mattresses, toilet
and bathroom equipment, specialised clothing
and continence needs.
Provider Portal Name:
Comms & Info Equipment
Communication and information equipment
This comprises of aids and equipment to assist
participants with alternate communication or to
access written or spoken communication via
electronic or other means.
Some communication equipment can only be
prescribed by health professionals (Speech
pathology, Audiology, Occupational Therapy).
March 2015
Professions
Evidence of experience
Please provide details of experience
working with people with disability in
providing assistive equipment for
recreation
Capacity Requirements
Evidence of:
 Compliance with Therapeutic
Goods / Australian Standards
Please provide details of experience
working with people with disability in
providing assistive products for
household tasks
 Compliance with Therapeutic
Goods / Australian Standards
Please provide details of experience
working with people with disability in
providing assistive products for
personal care and safety
 Compliance with Therapeutic
Goods / Australian Standards
Please provide details of experience
working with people with disability in
providing communication and
information equipment
 Compliance with Therapeutic
Goods / Australian Standards
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
Page 10
Support Cluster
Provider Portal Name:
Hearing Equipment
Assistive products for hearing
Wearable hearing aids, cochlear implants etc
can only be provided by approved hearing
health professionals
Provider Portal Name:
Personal mobility equipment
This includes equipment to assist participants
to move around their home or the community,
such as equipment for walking, wheelchairs
and transfer aids.
Provider Portal Name:
Vision Equipment
Assistive products for vision
Products for navigation, orientation, braille,
guide dogs, magnifiers and note taking
equipment.
March 2015
Professions
Evidence of experience
Please provide details of experience
working with people with disability in
providing assistive products for
hearing
Capacity Requirements
Evidence of:
 Compliance with Therapeutic
Goods / Australian Standards
Please provide details of experience
working with people with disability in
providing personal mobility
equipment
 Compliance with Therapeutic
Goods / Australian standards
Please provide details of experience
working with people with disability in
providing assistive products for
vision
 Compliance with Therapeutic
Goods / Australian Standards
Page 11
Home and vehicle modification support clusters
Providers must provide evidence of current accreditation or licensing by the relevant State or territory Authority to undertake building, engineering or
mechanical work.
Support Cluster
Provider Portal Name:
Home Modification
Home modification design and construction
This cluster incorporates design and
subsequent changes to the participant’s home.
Home modification design and construction
includes installation of equipment or changes
to building structures, fixture or fittings to
enable participants to live as independently as
possible or to live safely at home.
Provider Portal Name:
Vehicle modifications
Vehicle modifications include the installation of,
or changes to, equipment in a vehicle to
enable a participant to travel safely as a
passenger or to drive.
March 2015
Professions
Evidence of experience
 Architect
 Builder
 Building Inspector / Works
Assessor
 Building Surveyor
 Building Work Supervisor
 Building Work Project
Manager
 Carpenter / Joiner
 Electrician
 Plumber / Gas Fitter /
Drainer
 Tiler
 Occupational Therapist
Please demonstrate how your
service responds to concepts and
limitations of AS 1428 and other
disability access standards and their
application in accordance with a
person’s needs and specifications of
plans.
Please demonstrate your
understanding of how modified
vehicles need to comply with
Australian Design Rules, Australian
Standards and State Engineering
Certification and registration
requirements.
Capacity Requirements
Evidence of:
 Complaints Process
 National Police Check
 Working with Children /
Vulnerable people check
Page 12
State & Territory Requirements for Specialist Disability Providers
Requirements for new specialist disability providers in South Australia
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has worked with the South Australian Government to
implement arrangements to ensure that South Australia’s existing statutory and administrative quality
assurance and safeguards for children are in place for new and existing providers for the trial of the
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The arrangements for new providers in South Australia
are detailed below.
In preparing to register with NDIA providers are advised to review the Provider registration: Guide to
Suitability. If the support category requires:

registered, approved or compliant with the requirements for registration or approval as a
specialist disability service, community care or Home and Community Care provider with
Australian, state or territory government in the state or territory in which supports will be
provided,

quality assurance / management system in compliance with relevant Australian, state or territory
government requirements for specialist disability, community care or Home and Community
Care providers in the state or territory in which supports will be provided,
These Providers will need to apply to the South Australian government to meet the requirements for the
Disability Service Provider Panel (DSPP) within the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion.
Service providers are able to apply on an ongoing basis; however, membership of the Disability Service
Provider Panel will not guarantee funding from either the Department of Communities and Social
Inclusion or NDIA. Following approval for membership on the South Australian Disability Service
Provider Panel providers can submit their NDIS registration application. This will be an abridged
registration based on the provider already meeting the requirements for South Australian Disability
Service Provider Panel.
All new service providers, including sole practitioners, staff, agents, volunteers, contractors and
subcontractors, will be required to undergo a criminal screening assessment through the South
Australian Department of Communities and Social Inclusion and be cleared to work with children and
vulnerable adults. These requirements apply to the engagement or appointment of new staff,
volunteers, agents, contractors and subcontractors.
Providers registered with the NDIA who are also registered with the South Australian Disability Service
Provider Panel are required to demonstrate how they monitor compliance with the National Standards
for Disability Services and have in place a formal quality improvement system such as the Australian
Service Excellence Standards (ASES) or equivalent which involves an independent external review
every three years.
Consistent with existing quality frameworks in South Australia, providers delivering supports through
NDIA will be encouraged to employ workers who have attained a Cert III in Disability Services as a
minimal qualification.
March 2015
Requirements for new and existing specialist disability providers in Tasmania
The NDIA has worked with the Tasmanian Government’s Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS) to implement arrangements to ensure that the existing Tasmanian quality assurance
framework, The Quality and Safety Standards Framework for Tasmania’s DHSS Funded Community
Sector Organisations, is applied to new and existing providers for the NDIS trial subject to the transition
to a nationally consistent risk based quality assurance approach in the longer term. In addition,
Tasmania’s existing statutory safeguards for children and young people will continue to operate
throughout the trial period.
The DHHS Quality and Safety Standards Framework requires organisations to have systems and
processes in place to manage and respond to complaints and use feedback to contribute towards
enhancing service delivery.
All NDIS support providers in Tasmania will comply with state regulations regarding pre-employment
screening including National Criminal Checks.
Details of the specific arrangements for new and existing providers in Tasmania are below.
Requirements for new specialist disability providers in Tasmania
“New” community sector service providers are those who are:


not currently funded by DHHS; or
currently funded by DHHS, but who are seeking to deliver substantially different services from what
they were originally contracted to provide (i.e. currently providing Population Health programs and
they now wish to provide Disability Services).
In preparing to register with the NDIA new providers are advised to review the NDIA’s Provider
Registration: Guide to suitability requirements. Some support categories listed in the guide require
providers:


to be registered, approved or compliant with the requirements for registration or approval as a
specialist disability service, community care or Home and Community Care provider with the
Australian, State or Territory government in the state or territory in which supports will be provided,
and
to have a quality assurance / management system in compliance with the relevant Australian, State
or Territory government requirements for specialist disability, community care or Home and
Community Care providers in the state or territory in which supports will be provided.
All new community sector service providers seeking to operate within Tasmania must complete a ‘due
diligence assessment’ before they


are authorised to deliver services funded by the DHHS; and/or
register with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), prior to 2019.
March 2015
A completed due diligence assessment by DHHS is required before NDIA can register providers for the
following support clusters:











Assistance with daily personal activities;
Assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement;
Participation in community, social and civic activities;
Assistance to integrate into school or other educational program;
Assistance to access and maintain employment;
Development of daily living and life skills;
Accommodation/Tenancy assistance;
Development of daily living and life skills;
Training for independence in travel and transport;
Management of funding for supports in a participant's plan*; and
Assistance in coordinating or managing life stages, transitions and supports
*There are exemptions for this cluster for some Commonwealth Funded Service Providers.
New providers requesting registration to provide any ‘disability specific’ support clusters listed above
must lodge an Application Form for the Registration of Providers with the NDIA in accordance with the
NDIA’s Provider Registration procedures. Upon receipt of the registration form, the NDIA will refer the
request to the DHHS for consideration, if appropriate. The DHHS may then contact the provider to
complete relevant Quality and Safety and Due Diligence checks. DHHS will subsequently advise the
NDIA and the Provider of the outcome of these checks and the NDIA will complete the NDIA’s Provider
Registration process accordingly.
Following registration new providers of specialist disability supports in Tasmania will be required to:

Comply with Commonwealth and Tasmanian legislation particularly relevant to quality assurance,
safety standards and restrictive practices.

Comply with the Quality and Safety Standards Framework for Tasmania’s DHHS Funded
Community Sector.
Requirements for existing DHHS funded disability providers in Tasmania
Existing DHHS funded providers who have been approved by DHHS to deliver any of the disability
specific support clusters listed above are accepted by the NDIA as compliant with DHHS’s Quality and
Safety Standards and Due Diligence requirements and can seek NDIA registration without further
referral to the DHHS.
Existing DHHS funded providers seeking to deliver substantially different services from what they were
originally contracted by DHHS to provide will be referred to DHHS for approval. DHHS may contact the
provider to complete further Quality and Safety and Due Diligence checks at their discretion. NDIA will
complete the provider registration process for the additional support on receipt of advice from DHHS.
The following flowchart outlines the current processes that DHHS follow when undertaking their Quality
and Safety Standards and Due Diligence checks for new providers and existing providers seeking to
register additional supports:
March 2015
DHHS Provider Registration Flow Chart
during the NDIS trial in Tasmania
24 Hours
SIT refers request to
relevant Area
Manager
48 Hours
48 Hours
NDIA refers request
to SIT
NDIA reviews and
as needed, refers to
SIT
24 Hours
DHHS funded providers
seeking to register additional
supports must obtain
approval from the NDIA
New providers are required
to seek registration from
the NDIA
SIT provides advice
regarding suitability
based on current
service delivery
3 unsuccessful
attempts by CPT to
contact provider
(within 2 week period)
24 Hours
CPT contact
provider to
complete the QS &
DD Checklist
SIT refers to CPT to
complete QS & DD
3 Weeks
48 Hours
Area Manager
refers to relevant
CPT
3 Weeks
OR
CPT contacts
provider to
complete the QS &
DD Checklist
Refer to SIT
SIT advises the
NDIA
The NDIA inform
provider of decision
March 2015
1 Week
SIT receive approval
from Director
Information received
Recommendation
made to Director
and copy to SIT
72 Hours
1 Week
Recommendation
made to Director
and copy to SIT
72 Hours
Information received
SIT receive approval
from Director
Existing DHHS
funded providers are
accepted as
compliant and can
register as a NDIS
provider
Requirements for specialist disability providers in Victoria
The NDIA has worked with the Victorian Government to ensure that the existing Victorian quality
assurance and safeguard framework will apply to new and existing disability support providers in the
NDIS Trial.
Registration Process – New Specialist Disability Providers








A new provider will submit their registration to NDIA and will confirm their acceptance of the NDIA’s
Terms of Business.
NDIA will conduct an initial assessment.
Where an organisation is a disability service provider within the definition of the Victorian Disability
Act 2006 (the Act), the NDIA will ask for evidence of registration with the Victorian Department of
Health and Human Services.
To apply for registration with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, the provider
must complete and submit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services registration
application and self-assessment report and quality improvement plan based on the gazetted
Victorian Department of Health and Human Services Standards (the Human Services Standards).
Where appropriate, the Secretary of the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services will
grant registration in accordance with the Act.
If granted registration the provider must comply with the Act and conditions of registration including
the applicable Department of Health and Human Services (Vic) operational policies.
To maintain registration under the Act, providers are required, at their own expense, to achieve
certification/accreditation to the Human Service Standards with a Victorian Department of Health
and Human Services approved independent review body. The first independent review must be
completed within 12 months of registration
Providers must maintain their certification/accreditation with the independent review body by
undertaking mid-cycle audits and undertake a full certification/accreditation review once in every
three-year period.
The provider’s details will also be included on the public Register of Disability Service Providers
maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services and available from its website.
Registration Process – Existing Specialist Disability Providers



Existing disability service providers that previously delivered services through a service agreement
with the Department of Health and Human Services (formerly Department of Human Services), that
will transition to NDIS, will continue to be registered as required and subject to the Act, and
Department of Health and Human Services operational policies. However, as the organisation will
no longer hold a service agreement for these activities, the Department of Health and Human
Services will impose conditions on the registration (specifically the policies previously imposed
through a service agreement).
All Disability support providers will be expected to comply with Victorian regulations regarding preemployment screening including National Criminal Records checks, Working with Children Checks
and, where residential services are offered, the Disability Worker Exclusion Scheme (refer to the
FAQs below).
The provider’s details will be included on the public Register of Disability Service Providers, to
reflect registration for NDIS purposes, maintained by the Department of Health and Human
Services and available from its website .
March 2015
Registration Process – Existing Department of Health and Human Services providers
 Where an organisation holds a service agreement with the Department of Health and Human
Services for activities other than disability services, and applies for NDIA supports, the organisation
may be required to undertake an abridged process to register under the Act. For example, a selfassessment may not be required if an independent review has been undertaken of the services
funded under the service agreement. The organisation will be required to comply with the Act and
conditions of registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find more information for Victorian providers wanting to register under the Act for NDIA
purposes?
You can find more information about the requirements at: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-thedepartment/documents-and-resources/policies,-guidelines-and-legislation/national-disability-insuranceagency-disability-service-providers
How do I know if I am New or Existing?
New providers do not have a service agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services or
do not have any registration under the Victorian Disability Act 2006.
If I am an existing provider, what changes for me?
Your organisation will still be required to comply with the terms of its service agreement for those
activities specified. Your organisation will still be required to comply with the policies in the launch
services, through the conditions of registration attached to your organisation’s registration under the
(Victorian) Disability Act 2006.
What do the conditions of registration cover?
A complete list of the conditions of registration for is available from the Department of Health and
Human Services website. They cover the following:









Registration policy
Department of Health and Human Services Standards policy
Critical incident reporting policy
Responding to allegations of physical or sexual assault policy
Fire risk management guidelines
Emergency preparedness policy
Systematic improvement policy and procedures (formerly Adverse event management guidelines)
Safety screening policy
Complaints management policy.
Where can I find out information about the (Vic) Disability Worker Exclusion Scheme?
http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/plans,-programs-and-projects/projects-andinitiatives/disability-services/disability-worker-exclusion-scheme
If I am registered under the Disability Act for NDIA purposes, is my organisation eligible for a
service agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services?
Organisations must contact their local Department of Health and Human Services office to discuss
funding. DHSS advertises tender opportunities on the Tenders Victoria website.
March 2015
Which support clusters require registration with the Department of Health and Human Services?
NDIS Support Cluster
Department of Health
and Human Services
Registration Required.
Management of funding for supports in participants plan
Yes
Accommodation/Tenancy assistance
Yes
Assistance in coordinating or managing life stages, transitions and supports
Assistance to access and maintain employment
Assistance to integrate into school or other educational program
Assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement
Assistance with daily personal activities
Assistance with travel/transport arrangements
Assistive equipment for general tasks and demands
Assistive equipment for leisure
Assistive equipment for recreation
Assistive products for hearing
Assistive products for household tasks
Assistive products for personal care and safety
Assistive products for vision
Assistive technology specialist assessment, set up and training
Behaviour support
Communication and information equipment
Community nursing care for high needs
Development of daily living and life skills
Early intervention supports for early childhood
Home modification design and construction
Household tasks
Interpreting and translation
Other innovative supports
Participation in community, social and civic activities
Personal mobility equipment
Physical wellbeing activities
Specialised assessment of skills, abilities and needs
Therapeutic supports
Training for independence in travel and transport
Vehicle modifications
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes***
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
***where a provider is considered to be a universal service, and does not meet the definition of a disability service provider as defined by the
(Vic) Disability Act 2006, registration under that Act may not be required.
March 2015
Requirements for new specialist disability providers in ACT
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has worked with the ACT Government to ensure that
the existing quality assurance standards and safeguards in the ACT are available to NDIS participants
in the trial.
To ensure that NDIS participants have access to disability support providers who meet the existing
ACT quality standards and have access to existing safeguards there are additional requirements for
providers who intend to offer disability supports that require the following:

registered, approved or compliant with the requirements for registration or approval as a
specialist disability service, community care or Home and Community Care provider with
Australian, State or Territory government in the State or Territory in which supports will be
provided.

quality assurance / management system in compliance with relevant Australian, State or
Territory government requirements for specialist disability, community care or Home and
Community Care providers in the State or Territory in which supports will be provided.
Existing safeguards as currently applied through contracts with the ACT Government will continue to
operate within the ACT through trial implementation, for all specialist disability service providers
through amendment to the Disability Services Act 1991. The ACT government is undertaking legislative
amendment to ensure that current quality assurance and safeguarding obligations contained in
contracts are able to transition into the NDIS trial environment. The legislative amendment raises
obligations for providers into a legal framework as the Government progressively phases out contracts
through the transition to the NDIS
Through the trial, new providers will be required to register with the NDIS and:

Comply with Commonwealth and ACT legislation particularly relevant to quality assurance,
safety standards and restrictive practices.

New service providers must comply with the existing Quality and Safeguards Framework for the
ACT. The monitoring of compliance against the Standards Framework for new providers during
trial will be the responsibility of the ACT Government.

Ensure Staff and volunteers have undergone a Working With Vulnerable People Check
(WWVPC) and registration in order to be engaged in the role by the end of 2014.

Have a written Child Protection policy detailing:

Voluntary and Mandatory reporting requirements;

Training available to help staff for the purposes of the Act; and avenues of assistance that staff
can access to help them to comply with the Act
March 2015
Requirements for new specialist disability providers in New South Wales
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has worked with the New South Wales Government
to ensure that the existing quality assurance standards and safeguards in New South Wales are
available to NDIS participants in the Hunter trial.
To ensure that NDIS participants have access to disability support providers who meet the existing
NSW quality standards and have access to existing safeguards there are additional requirements for
providers who intend to offer disability supports that require the following:

registered, approved or compliant with the requirements for registration or approval as a
specialist disability service, community care or Home and Community Care provider with
Australian, State or Territory government in the State or Territory in which supports will be
provided.

quality assurance / management system in compliance with relevant Australian, State or
Territory government requirements for specialist disability, community care or Home and
Community Care providers in the State or Territory in which supports will be provided.
New South Wales Quality Assurance and Safeguards Framework
In New South Wales these providers are required at the time of application for registration, to
undertake a self-assessment to demonstrate the organisation’s capacity to comply with the NSW
Disability Services Standards (NSW DSS). Service providers are required to undertake a selfassessment using the NSW Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Guide to demonstrate their capacity to
comply with the NSW DSS. NDIA will request that the organisation provide evidence of the selfassessment for the purpose of registration.
Within 12 months of registering with the NDIA new providers must attain independent third party
verification to confirm organisational performance against the NSW DSS. They will be required to
choose a third party verifier that is accredited either by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and
New Zealand (JAS-ANZ) or International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua). In the process of
conducting the third party verification process, the verifier is encouraged to recognise any recent
accreditation/certification of other industry standards and/or audit process undertaken by the
organisation as part of assessing compliance with the NSW DSS.
Organisations are required to act on the independent feedback received from the third party verifier and
implement the actions within three months for any NSW DSS that are met in part or six months for
standards that are unmet. On completion of these actions, service providers are required to have their
full compliance with the NSW DSS verified by the third party verifier to obtain a Verification Statement.
This must occur within 12 months of the organisation’s registration with NDIA.
Providers are required to provide a copy of their Verification Statement to NDIS. NDIS will also notify
the New South Wales Department of Family and Community Services of all registered providers who
attain independent verification against the NSW DSS. Providers may also be required to provide NDIA
with a full copy of the audit report, if requested by NDIA.
People using disability services in New South Wales are also supported by safeguards at the disability
service system level as well as general safeguards available to all members of the community. The
range of safeguard mechanisms currently in place in New South Wales will continue to support people
during the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
To ensure appropriate service and system level safeguards, NDIA requires providers delivering
supports as identified in the Provider Registration Guide to Suitability Requirements to comply with all
March 2015
relevant legislation, NSW policies and guidelines that provide safeguards to participants in the Hunter
trial (Appendix 1)
The New South Wales Government has recently approved amendments to the Community Services
(Complaints, Reviews and Monitoring) Act 1993 (CRAMA) to facilitate NDIA participants’ access to
safeguards under the CRAMA, effective 1 July 2013.
Specifically, the effects of the amendments are:

NDIA participants will be able to make complaints about service providers to the Ombudsman
New South Wales;

The Ombudsman New South Wales will be able to monitor and review services provided to NDIS
participants;

Official Community Visitors will be able to visit NDIS participants living in an accommodation
service if in full-time care of a service provider;

The death of a NDIS participant living in residential care provided by a NDIS service provider will
be reviewed by the Ombudsman New South Wales.
Further information on the NSW quality assurance and safeguards framework is available at the NSW
government website.
March 2015
Appendix 1: Requirements for providers of disability supports
Existing ADHC funded and new providers of disability supports as identified at Attachment 5 must
ensure that services are provided in compliance with:

the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 and Disability Inclusion Regulation 2014 (NSW);

all the prevailing laws of NSW and Australia;

applicable codes of conduct, professional standards or quality assurance standards; and

NSW Disability Services Standards applicable to disability supports.
These include the following:
Performance
Policy
Brief Description
Who the Policy
Applies To
Quality Policy
NSW Quality Framework for Disability Services is built on the
National Quality Framework for Disability Services in Australia
and is based on the NSW Disability Service Standards (NSW
DSS), which align with the proposed revised National Standards
for Disability Services.
All providers must:
 comply with the Ageing, Disability and Home Care
(ADHC) Quality Framework Policy;
 have a quality management system in place; and
 have their compliance with the NSW Disability Service
Standards verified through an independent third party.
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers.
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0011/256835/Qual
ity_Policy_for_Funded_Services_Nov2012.pdf
Guidelines
NSW Disability Services Standards (NSW DSS) and
Standards in action manual
Brief Description
The NSW Disability Services Standards (NSW DSS) form the
basis of ADHC's quality requirements and have been updated to
reflect contemporary practices that place people with disability at
the centre of decision making and choice about their supports
and services. The NSW DSS have been streamlined and align to
the proposed revised National Standards for Disability Services.
Where an organisation has attained third party verification against
the NSW DSS, they will be deemed to meet the requirements of
the proposed revised National Standards for Disability Services.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers.
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0008/235970/987
March 2015
_ADHC_Standards_in_action_291112.pdf
Governance
Policy
Governance
Brief
Services have robust governance arrangements appropriate to the size of the
Description organisation to ensure sustainability, viability, efficiency and productivity.
Who the
Policy
Applies to
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support providers.
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0009/256833/Governance_Pol
icy.pdf
Policy
Sub Contracting
Brief
Services who subcontract are required to ensure that subcontracting
Description organisations meet all legislative and policy obligations in regard to the
services delivered.
Who the
Policy
Applies to
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support providers.
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0004/256837/Subcontracting_and_Brokerage_Policy.pdf
Probity in Employment
Policy
Probity in Employment
Brief Description
Service providers have procedures in place that enable services
to assess the integrity, character and honesty of prospective
employees, board members, volunteers. All services have in
place employment policies and procedures that allow for:


March 2015
Working with Children Checks;
At least one referee check and a criminal record check
prior to employment and a criminal record check at least
once every four years, and conduct these checks for all
people who work directly with people with disability in a
way that involves face to face or physical contact,
including:
o employees
o volunteers
o students undertaking training (other than school
students on work experience)
o self-employed person, contractor or subcontractor
o Board members.
Policy
Probity in Employment
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers.
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/about_us/legislation_agreements_pa
rtnerships/nsw_disability_inclusion_act
Disability Reportable Incidents Scheme
Guidelines
Disability Reportable Incidents Scheme
Brief Description
Service providers of disability supported group accommodation and
centre based respite are required to notify the NSW Ombudsman of
‘reportable incidents’ involving people with disability.
Service providers must report the following incidents to the NSW
Ombudsman:
1. Employee to client incidents of sexual assault, sexual
misconduct, assault, fraud, ill-treatment or neglect
2. Client to client incidents of sexual and physical assault
(causing serious injury or involving the use of a weapon),
or that forms a pattern of abuse
3. Contravention of an AVO taken out to protect a person
with disability
4. Serious unexplained injury of a person with disability.
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers.
Who the Policy
Applies To
URL
March 2015
Notification forms and fact sheets are available on the NSW
Ombudsman website www.ombo.nsw.gov.au
Client Death
Legislation
Reviewable Deaths – children and young people, and people
with disabilities
Brief Description
Information about the deaths of children and adults with disability
who, at the time of their death, were living in or temporarily
absent from, residential or a licensed boarding house must be
reported to the Ombudsman.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded residential care providers and new
disability support residential care providers.
URL
http://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/3733/F
S_CSD3_ReviewableDeaths.pdf
Policy
Client Death
Brief Description
Services must:

Report deaths in accordance with legislative requirements
and timeframes

Co-operate with enquiries from external agencies such as
Police, Ombudsman and Coroner

Review the circumstances of the death and implement
and monitor appropriate actions arising from the review

Maintain and store records required to comply with the
legislation and this policy

Maintain documented procedures for responding to the
death of the person that give effect to this policy and meet
the principles of this policy.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers.
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0005/228065/Clie
nt_death_Policy_and_Procedures_April_2012.pdf
Privacy
Legislation
The Privacy and Personal Information Protection ACT 1998
(NSW)
Brief Description
Services are required to comply with 12 information protection
principles. This includes obligations with respect to data security,
data quality (accuracy) and rights of access and amendment to
one’s own personal information, as well as how personal
information may be collected, used and disclosed.
Who the
Legislation
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
March 2015
Applies To
providers.
URL
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/papipa1998464
/
Legislation
The Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW)
Brief Description
Services are required to comply with 15 health privacy principles
regarding information about a person’s disability and
health/disability services provided to them. The principles cover
the entire information ‘life cycle’ but also include some additional
principles with respect to anonymity, the use of unique identifiers
and the sharing of electronic health records.
Who the
Legislation
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers.
URL
http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/subordleg
+327+2005+cd+0+N
Legislation
The Privacy Code of Practice (General) 2003
Brief Description
Allows departure from some privacy principles where an
individual lacks capacity.
Who the
Legislation
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers.
URL
http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/subordleg
+273+2003+cd+0+N
Legislation
The Health Records and Information Privacy Code of
Practice 2005 (NSW)
Brief Description
Allows sharing of information with other service providers in
limited circumstances.
Who the
Legislation
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers.
URL
http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/subordleg
+327+2005+cd+0+N
Child Protection
Policy
Child Protection Policy – Responding to Risk of Harm to
Children and Young People
Brief Description
Services are obliged to take reasonable care to protect children
and young people against risks of harm that can and should be
March 2015
foreseen. All staff are to make a report to the Child Protection
Helpline if they suspect a child or young person is at risk of
significant harm.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers who provide services to children and young people.
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0019/232732/Chil
d_Protection_Policy_Jan_2010_rebranded.pdf
Legislation
Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998
Brief Description
Services are required to notify the Commission for Children and
Young People when employment proceedings against an
employee involving reportable conduct or an act of violence
committed in the course of employment and in the presence of a
child, are completed. These are matters where an employer (or
professional or other body that supervises the professional
conduct of the employee, the subject of the allegation), has
found:


reportable conduct, or
that an act of violence committed by the employee in the
course of employment and in the presence of a child has
occurred, or there is some evidence it occurred, however
the finding is inconclusive.
Who the
legislation
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers who provide services to children and young people.
URL
http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/sessionalview/sessional/act/19
98-146.pdf
Legislation
Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
Brief Description
The Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 aims to
protect children:


Who the
Legislation
Applies To
URL
March 2015
by not permitting certain persons to engage in childrelated work, and
by requiring persons engaged in child-related work to
have working with children check clearances.
A new Working with Children Check will commence on 15 June
2013 and will apply to NDIS registered providers of support who
engage workers in child-related work.
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers who provide services to children and young people.
http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/sessionalview/sessional/act/19
98-146.pdf
Legislation
Ombudsman Act 1974 (NSW)- Employment related child
protection
Brief Description
Services must notify the NSW Ombudsman of allegations against
employees that constitute sexual offences, misconduct, assault,
ill-treatment, neglect and behaviour that causes psychological
harm to children. Designated government and non-government
agencies are required to notify the Ombudsman of such
allegations arising in the course of the employee’s work or
outside their work; whereas all other public authorities are
covered by the Act if the allegations arise in the course of the
person’s employment with the authority.
Who the
Legislation
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers who provide:
URL

substitute residential care services to children and young
people;
 child care centres or residential child care centres
http://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-work/employmentrelated-child-protection
Guidelines
Child Wellbeing & Child Protection NSW Interagency
Guidelines
Brief Description
The Guidelines outline the legislative framework for cooperative
and coordinated work between government agencies, community
sector agencies and families in the care and protection of children
and young people. The Interagency Guidelines include agencies’
responsibilities to create safe environments and to respond to
children and young people whom they suspect to be ‘at risk of
harm’.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers who provide services to children and young people.
URL
http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/kts/guidelines/documents/repo
rting_section.pdf
Policy
Memorandum of Understanding Between Community
Services and Aging, Disability and Home Care on Children
and Young People with a Disability
Brief Description
Sets out the principles services must comply with regarding
collaborative assessment, planning and service delivery by
Community Services and ADHC in relation to any child or young
person with a disability in NSW covered under the MoU.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers who provide case management for children and young
people in statutory out of home care.
March 2015
URL
http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/docswr/_assets/main/lib10004
4/protocol_adhc_comm_serv.pdf
Policy
Out of Home Care: Policy to guide the provision of out-ofhome care placements for children and young people with a
disability
Brief Description
The policy outlines for services:
Who the Policy
Applies To
URL

The types of out-of-home care placements and supports
that are available to children (aged 0-15 years) and young
people (aged 16-17 years) with a disability

Best practice principles to guide the provision of out-ofhome care placements

Practice guidelines for the establishment and provision of
out-of-home care placements for children and young
people with a disability.
Existing ADHC funded providers and relevant new disability
support providers who provide:

statutory and supported out-of-home care placements to
children and young people with a disability;

long-term voluntary out-of-home care placements to
children and young people with a disability; or

unplanned, crisis placements to children or young people.
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0006/254490/OO
HC_Policy_-_Internet.pdf
Health
Policy
Health care
Brief Description
Services ensure that each person with disability, residing in an
accommodation service or using a centre based respite service,
is supported to be as healthy as possible by having an annual
health assessment with a General Practitioner and a Health Care
Plan that is implemented and reviewed regularly.
When there is an observable change in the person’s health or
wellbeing, staff support the person to access appropriate health
services as soon as possible.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers who provide accommodation support services
(including group homes and large, medium and small residential
centres) and centre-based respite services.
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0007/228094/Heal
th_Care_Policy_and_Procedures_April_2012.pdf
March 2015
Policy
Nutrition and Swallowing
Brief Description
Services ensure that each person with disability residing in an
accommodation support service or using a centre based respite
centre has an annual nutrition assessment to identify nutrition
and swallowing risks and eating and drinking support needs.
If the person’s support and nutritional needs change or risks are
identified, management plans are developed by appropriate
health care professionals for immediate implementation by the
service provider.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers who provide accommodation support services
(including group homes and large, medium and small residential
centres) and centre-based respite services.
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0015/228120/Nutri
tion_and_swallowing_policy_and_procedures_Apr_2012.pdf
Policy
Palliative Care
Brief Description
Services will support a person with disability who has been
diagnosed with a progressive advanced disease or terminal
illness to develop, implement and review a palliative care plan.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers who provide accommodation support services.
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0003/228126/Palli
ative_Care_Policy_April_2012.pdf
Policy
Medication Handling in Community-Based Health
Services/Residential Facilities in NSW - Guidelines
Brief Description
Guidelines for handling medication.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers who provide community based accommodation support
services.
URL
http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/PD/2005/PD2005_105.ht
ml
Policy
Epilepsy
Brief Description
Services ensure that all people with epilepsy have an Epilepsy
Management Plan that is developed in consultation with a
General Practitioner or neurologist and is reviewed at least once
a year. A person with epilepsy and ongoing seizures can be at
risk of injury during a seizure and regular audits of the person’s
environment are required to minimise that risk.
Specific risk management strategies are to be implemented for a
person with epilepsy and ongoing seizures during any water
March 2015
based activity. Support staff are required to understand their role
in responding to a convulsive seizure.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers who provide accommodation and respite support
services.
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0011/228089/Epil
epsy_Policy_April_2012.pdf
Fire Safety
Policy
Fire Safety
Brief Description
Services are responsible for ensuring:

The environment in which services are provided is safe
and hazards are minimised

All employees are familiar with all fire emergency
equipment and facilities in the workplace and participate
in regular fire safety programs

Emergency management and evacuation plan and
procedures are in place taking into account the support
needs of people with disability

Engagement occurs with the local community in
developing fire safety procedures.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers.
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0015/251232/AH1
1_98105_TAB_A_Fact_Sheet_-_Fire_Safety__NGO_Premises.pdf
Supporting People
Policy
Behaviour Support
Brief Description
Minimum requirements for services in providing a behaviour
support service to adults, children or young people with an
intellectual disability.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers.
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0007/228364/Beh
aviour_Support_Policy_March2012_updated.pdf
Policy
Client Risk
March 2015
Brief Description
Services are to ensure that risks to people with disability are
identified so that adverse effects on their lifestyle, health and
wellbeing and safety can be prevented, minimised or eliminated.
Services are required to meet their Work Health and Safety
obligations to provide maximum safety for the person with
disability, support staff, management, contractors, volunteers and
others, whatever the situation or location.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers.
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0009/228078/Clie
nt_Risk_Policy_and_Procedures_Apr_2012.pdf
Policy
Abuse and Neglect
Brief Description
Services are obliged to prevent abuse and neglect to a person in
the first instance. When prevention strategies fail to protect the
person, services are to recognise, respond to and report any form
of abuse and neglect as appropriate.
Wherever possible, people with disability are supported to
understand when they are being abused and to know how to
report it to the right authority.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0020/228062/Abu
se_and_Neglect_Policy_Apr_2012.pdf
Policy
Decision Making and Consent
Brief Description
Services are required to involve the person in all decisions that
affect the person’s life. No other person can make decisions for a
person who is 16 years and older except when the person lacks
capacity to make some decisions.
Services will support people to make their own decisions and
family and others provide informal decision making support where
it is needed. A guardian with a specific decision making function
is legally appointed to make critical decisions, for example,
choosing accommodation.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers.
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0006/228084/Deci
sion_Making_and_Consent_Policy_and_Procedures_Apr_2012.p
df
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Legislation
Community Services (Complaints, Reviews and Monitoring) Act
1993 (CRAMA) No 2
Brief Description
NSW Government has approved amendments to the Community
Services (Complaints, Reviews and Monitoring) Act 1993
(CRAMA) to facilitate NDIS participants’ access to safeguards
under the CRAMA including:




NDIS participants will be able to make complaints about
service providers to the Ombudsman New South Wales;
The Ombudsman New South Wales will be able to monitor
and review services provided to NDIS participants;
Official Community Visitors will be able to visit NDIS
participants living in an accommodation service if in full-time
care of a service provider;
The death of a NDIS participant living in residential care
provided by a NDIS service provider will be reviewed by the
Ombudsman New South Wales.
Who the Policy
Applies To
Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support
providers.
URL
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/about_us/legislation_agreements_pa
rtnerships
March 2015