If you’re an independent support provider in Australia, you’ve probably wondered whether you need to register as an NDIS provider. This guide explains the difference between registered and unregistered NDIS providers, the pros and cons of each, and how to decide what’s right for your business.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided as general information only and can not properly take into consideration all aspects of your business or personal circumstances.
Kareroo and our team are not legal/financial advisors in any way, and information provided here should not be taken as advice. It is always recommended to seek professional advice before making decisions.
What Is NDIS Provider Registration?
Working as an NDIS service/support provider can generally be done as either Unregistered or Registered, depending on who you work with and supports you provide. Registration involves registering through the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) and going through a vetting process to ensure you meet certain standards for safety and quality, as determined by the NDIS Commission.
This process includes completing an application, passing an audit and undergoing a suitability assessment.
Do I Need To Be A Registered Provider?
The short answer to this is; it depends...
It depends on who you work with and the supports you provide or the profession you are in.
Who you work with
Unregistered providers can work with self-managed and plan-managed participants, but not NDIA-managed participants. To work with NDIA-managed participants, you must be registered.
Supports
If you wish to provide any of the below services you must also register:
- Specialist disability accomodation (SDA)
- Specialist behaviour support services
- Plan management services
Or if you need to use regulated restrictive practices, more information here: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/behaviour-support-and-restrictive-practices#paragraph-id-8201:~:text=and%20Me%20resources.-,Restrictive%20practices%C2%A0,-A%20restrictive%20practice
Benefits Of Becoming A Registered Provider
There are a few key benefits to becoming a registered provider:
- Gain access to NDIA-managed participants
- Market yourself as registered, some participants prefer working solely with registered providers
- Use NDIS tools unavaiable to unregistered providers (myplace portal, NDIS provider finder, etc)
- Access to NDIS training modules
Responsibilities Of A Registered Provider
Whilst both unregistered and registered providers must adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct, registered providers have more oversight by the NDIS Commission and are subject to periodic audits to maintain their registration.
Registered providers must maintain compliant policies and procedures that are not necessarily required for unregistered providers, and they have mandatory reporting requirements for certain events/scenarios.
Overall, registered providers have more oversight and compliance requirements, but they also have more access to clients, tools and supports.
Benefits Of Being An Unregistered NDIS Provider
The main benefits of being an unregistered NDIS provider are:
- Lower (not none) oversight and compliance requirements
- Lower barrier to entry
- Lower cost of entry, registration can be expensive depending on your requirements and if you hire someone to help you through the process
Responsibilities Of An Unregistered NDIS Provider
Unregistered providers must adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct, and can still undergo audits if there is evidence the provider may not be compliant, or if there is a complaint against them.
Conclusion: Should Independent NDIS Providers Register?
As an Independent Provider, the question of whether you NEED to register is an easy one:
- Do you meet any of the requirements that require registration?
If the answer is no, than you have the option and must next decide based on a few other factors:
- Do you want to work with NDIA-managed clients?
- Do you want access to the myplace portal and tools?
- Do participants in your area generally prefer registered providers, even when working with Independent's?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then you may wish to register. If the answer is no to all of these questions, then you likely do not need to register.