The EFA Enquirer: 24 October 2023

 

In this edition

  • Revealing our new brand!
  • Upcoming Training
  • Findings of platform providers Inquiry
  • NDIS Explore Tool updated
  • Updated Code of Conduct

Revealing our new brand!

The EFA Enquirer: 24 October 2023 1

We have some exciting changes happening at EFA, we are relaunching our brand with a new name “Engels Floyd Quality Consulting” and a website refresh which is coming soon. 

Don’t worry, our team will still be delivering quality tailored support to NDIS providers in a way that best meets their needs as we have been doing since 2012. Our core mission and dedication to ethical and individualised client service will always remain the same.


Upcoming Training

We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming interactive online training workshop, presented by our incredible Technical Manager, Patty Wassenaar who has decades of auditing experience.

If you’re looking to stay ahead in the NDIS landscape, this workshop is tailor-made for you! Our upcoming workshop, Introduction to Internal Audits, will provide you with the essential information about planning and conducting internal audits.

This workshop will cover:

  • Developing / managing audit program
  • Audit planning
  • Conducting the audit
  • Reporting and corrective actions

You will also be provided with a workbook and mini toolkit providing some useful tools and information to help you with your internal audit program including templates such as audit schedules.

Introduction to Internal Audits!
10 November 2023 – 9am – 12:00pm AEDT
Register Here


Findings of platform providers Inquiry

The launch of the Own Motion Inquiry into Platform Providers in the NDIS Market in the NDIS Market by the NDIS Commission in February 2023 was a significant step in gaining a comprehensive understanding of how Platform Providers function in the NDIS market and their impact on participants. The findings reported in September 2023 offer valuable insights.

The key takeaways from the Report are as follows:

  • Choice and Control: The report confirms that Platform Providers play a crucial role in offering people with disabilities greater choice and control when it comes to selecting and engaging support services. This aligns with the core principles of the NDIS.
  • Transparency and Informed Decision-Making: However, the report also highlights the need for increased transparency. Participants should have access to clear information about the role of Platform Providers and the actual cost of services they engage through these platforms. This information is essential for making informed decisions about their support.
  • Consistency and Safety: There’s a call for greater consistency in background checks and safety standards for individuals delivering services. Ensuring that service providers understand their responsibilities in delivering safe, quality support to people with disabilities is critical.
  • Regulation: The report suggests the importance of a regulated environment to maintain quality and safety in the delivery of services.

The findings and recommendations in the report will see the NDIS Commission progress the following priorities:

  • undertake work to better support participants to make informed decisions as consumers of Platform Provider services
  • establish a consistent and best practice approach to safeguarding across all Platform Provider services
  • seek to increase transparency around Platform Provider activities, starting with pricing
  • regulate more directly the workforce of NDIS providers which the Platform Provider market has created
  • address the privacy concerns identified.

NDIS Explore Tool updated

Explore Data is an interactive tool to help NDIS providers find information about participant type, reporting periods, location or support class and category.

The data is grouped into three sections: Participant Data, Market Data and Provider Data.

  • Participant Data: is about NDIS participants, including total number of participants, average committed supports and average payments.
  • Market Data: is about the NDIS market, including information on provider concentration, total payments, total committed supports, and utilisation.
  • Provider Data: is about providers, including information on active providers, participants per provider, provider growth and provider shrinkage.

The NDIS Commission have updated the data from quarter four of financial year 2022-23 in their Explore Tool.

We encourage NDIS providers to explore this invaluable tool in conducting market research to inform strategic and business planning. 

At EFA we have an NDIS business planning and marketing expert that is available to help you with business and market planning. If you are interested please contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation.


Updated Code of Conduct

The NDIS Code of Conduct promotes safe and ethical service delivery by setting out expectations for the conduct of both NDIS providers and workers.

The NDIS Commission has provided an updated Code of Conduct guidance document focused on cracking down on sharp practices such as price differentiation, where a provider charges NDIS participants a higher price for the same product, support or service compared with other customers.

There is also updated guidance for NDIS providers in conducting when advertising their business for sale and engaging in sale negotiations.

We encourage all NDIS providers to read the NDIS Code of Conduct guidance document and become aware of its contents. If you are in need of NDIS provider support in the areas of  quality management, compliance or business planning  please contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation.


Passionate experts in quality improvement for disability & human services. Supporting all States and Territories.

The EFA Enquirer: 18 September 2023

 

In this edition

  • Welcome Hannah Odorcic to the EFA team!
  • Dangers of purchasing ‘off the shelf’ NDIS policies and procedures
  • Key Points Arising from the Commission’s Latest NDIS Quarterly Report
  • Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) Changes

Welcome Hannah Odorcic to the EFA team

We are delighted to announce that Hannah Odorcic has joined our team as the new Marketing Manager at EFA. With her extensive background in brand design, strategy, content creation, and marketing, as well as her remarkable creativity and enthusiasm, we are confident that she will make a significant contribution to EFA.

Hannah’s previous experience working closely with NDIS providers is a valuable asset that will enhance her work here at EFA. Her insights and expertise in this area will undoubtedly benefit our team and the services we provide.

We are all looking forward to some exciting changes and developments on our digital platforms in the near future, thanks to Hannah’s leadership and innovative ideas. Her presence on the team promises to bring fresh perspectives and drive us toward new heights.

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Hannah. We are thrilled to have her on board and are excited about the bright future ahead for EFA.


Dangers of purchasing ‘off the shelf’ NDIS policies and procedures

It is essential for NDIS providers to have quality policies and procedures in place to ensure you are meeting the NDIS quality requirements.

Whether you’re starting out and need policies and procedures or want to improve your system documentation purchasing ‘pre-prepared’ documents can be a convenient starting point, however there are potential pitfalls to be aware of.

For example, standardised off-the-shelf products may not always align perfectly with your business, and if they include processes and forms you do not implement, this can lead to staff not using your system and audit non-conformances. 

Good system documentation should follow your business processes and reflect the supports provide.  You should be CONFIDENT in using your system, update documents as your processes change, and staff should use these as a first port of call if they have questions (rather than asking the manager or quality and safeguarding staff). 

Your documentation should evolve as your processes change, ensuring it remains an accurate reflection of your operations and your staff should feel confident using the system documentation as a resource.

The goal should always be continuous improvement. Regularly reviewing and updating your documentation and processes is crucial to staying compliant and efficient.

A good consultant will work with you to make sure the system is truly yours as well as being compliant with the quality requirements set by the NDIS Commission.

At EFA we provides options to produce tailored documentation including policies and procedures, participant handbooks, internal audit plans and easy read English documents. We can also assist with self assessments/internal audits and work with you on system improvements.   If you would like to speak to us on how we can assist you in these areas, please contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation.


Key Points Arising from the Commission’s Latest NDIS Quarterly Report

On 17 August 2023, the NDIS Commission released their latest NDIS Quarterly report  which provides an overview of the performance and operations of the NDIA for the three months from 1 April 2023 to 30 June 2023.

This information provides valuable insights for NDIS providers to better understand the trends and changes in the NDIS landscape.

Some key takeaways from the report include:

  • Participant Growth: The NDIS continues to see growth in the number of participants, with a 4% increase in approved plans, reaching 610,502 participants by the end of June 2023.
  • Increased SIL Support: There has been an unexpected increase in participants accessing Supported Independent Living (SIL) support since June 2022.
  • SDA Support Growth: The number of active participants with Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) supports has increased by 16% annually over the last three years, reaching 23,092 by June 2023.
  • Community and Social Participation: There has been a significant increase in participants aged over 15 years reporting increased participation in community and social activities, as well as increased participation in work for the 15 to 24 age group.
  • Provider usage trends:
    • In the last 12 months, unregistered providers were used less frequently and had a higher proportion of one-off payments where they are used only once. There was a three times lower one-off payment frequency for registered providers compared to unregistered providers.
    • Plan managed participants used unregistered providers predominantly (92%), compared to registered providers. However, the total payments made to registered providers (57%) was greater than unregistered (43%).
  • Complaints: Complaints as a proportion of active participants have seen a slight increase over recent quarters, emphasising the importance of effective complaint management for providers.
  • Plan Management Choices: Continuing the trend from previous quarters, more participants are choosing to use a plan manager instead of having the Agency manage their plan, indicating a preference for greater control and flexibility.
  • Participant Critical Incidents (PCI): The report now includes separate data on participant critical incidents (PCI), reflecting allegations of harm to participants. There has been an increase in PCI reports, potentially due to increased awareness of financial abuse in the community.

If you are in need of NDIS provider support in the areas of  quality management, compliance or business planning  please contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation.


Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) Changes

The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) provides financial help to people with disability and mental health conditions and employers to buy workplace assistance and support services.

These include work-related modifications, including making adjustments to your physical workspace, purchasing equipment, Auslan interpreting services and disability awareness training.

Recent changes to the Employment Assistant Fund (EAF) will enable more employers to access new funding to make workplaces safer and more accessible.

Under the changes, the annual funding cap for work-related Auslan interpreting services will double from $6000 to $12,000.

The building modifications cap will also double from $30,000 to $60,000 to help fund lifts, wheelchair accessible toilets, access ramps and automatic doors to remove workplace barriers.

The Federal Government will also scrap the requirement for funding applications to be made ahead of time for Auslan interpreters to be at job interviews and other activity including site visits, tests and information sessions. Instead, businesses can submit an application up to five business days post-interview.

For organisations that employ people with disability or are considering hiring people with disability, we recommended exploring the EAF program further to understand how these changes can benefit your workplace and employees.

Accessible and inclusive workplaces not only support the well-being of employees with disabilities but also contribute to a more diverse and skilled workforce.


Passionate experts in quality improvement for disability & human services. Supporting all States and Territories.

The EFA Enquirer: 15 August 2023

 

In this edition

  • Upcoming Training
  • Evidence Centred Approaches to Service Delivery
  • NDIS New Regulatory Tool – Enforceable Actions
  • Interim and Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan Checklists
  • NDIS Review Interim Report – What we have heard report

Upcoming Training 

We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming interactive online training workshops, presented by our incredible Technical Manager, Patty Wassenaar. 

If you’re looking to stay ahead in the NDIS landscape, these workshops are tailor-made for you!  Each workshop will dive deep into NDIS-related topics, offering practical knowledge and strategies to help you thrive in your role. Some of these are almost booked out, so be quick!

Take a look below to see what we have on offer! 

1. NDIS Incident Management Essentials
24 August 2023 – 10am – 12pm AEST
Register Here

2. Understanding NDIS Registration Groups
24 August 2023 – 1pm – 3pm AEST
Register Here


Evidence Matters – Evidence Centred Approaches to Service Delivery

Evidence centered approaches to service delivery use a framework that focuses on the use of empirical evidence and data insights to inform decision making to improve the design, implementation, and evaluation of service delivery. 

The NDIS Commission have produced a collection of resources called Evidence Matters that aims to promote the use of evidence-informed practices to support NDIS providers to achieve compliance with their obligations under the NDIS legislation.

Presently the Evidence Matters collection includes the following resources:

  • An Evidence-Informed Practice Guide which provides guidance on ways to ensure practice is evidence-informed.
  • Organisational Approaches to Reducing Restrictive Practice
  • Developing Quality Behaviour Support Plans literature summary that identifies aspects of quality behaviour support plans developments
  • Medications for behaviours of concern for people with Autism

Overall, evidence-centered approaches, as shown by the NDIS Commission’s Evidence Matters collection, are essential for ensuring that service delivery is based on reliable data and insights, leading to better outcomes for participants and greater accountability for service providers.

We encourage all NDIS providers to have a look at the evidence matters resources as they are valuable tools for NDIS providers to enhance their practices and ensure compliance with NDIS legislation.


NDIS New Regulatory Tool – Enforceable Actions

The NDIS Commission have recently announced the first use of a new regulatory tool against an NDIS provider called an Enforceable Action. An Enforceable Action is a legally binding agreement between the Commission and the provider that outlines specific actions the provider commits to undertake to rectify issues of non-compliance with the law.

This approach is seen as an alternative to heavier compliance actions, such as court proceedings or banning orders and can be used in circumstances when providers are committed and willing to work with the Commission to address compliance issues and ensure the ongoing delivery of safe and quality services for NDIS participants.

The use of the Enforceable Action as a regulatory tool showcases a collaborative and preventative approach to addressing non-compliance issues, while also encouraging providers to proactively address and rectify such issues themselves.

In a commitment to transparency and accountability, details of compliance and enforceable actions against individuals and providers are published on the NDIS Commission’s website.

We encourage all NDIS providers to have an understanding of the NDIS Commission’s Regulatory Approach targeted at ensuring the quality and safety of services delivered to NDIS participants.

We are the go-to consultant NDIS providers approach when they are experiencing compliance issues, and also for providers who wish to be proactive in this space. We are proud of our integrity and technical expertise. You can trust us to be your compliance partner. If you are in need of support in the areas of  quality management or compliance please contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary confidential consultation.


Interim and Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan Checklists

The NDIS Commission as released two new Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan Checklists Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan Checklists  that outline good practice and the conditions of registration that apply to specialist behaviour support providers when developing behaviour support plans.

Although the resources are optional, we encourage NDIS providers to review the quality of their behaviour support plans against these checklists.


NDIS Review Interim Report – What we have heard report

On 30 June 2023 the NDIS Commission issued an Interim Report on the ongoing review of the NDIS providing a summary of the key issues that have been identified in the review.

The Report raises 10 important issues that the community has identified:

  1. The planning process is difficult and stressful for participants.
  2. Support for people with disability is not planned, funded or governed as a whole ecosystem.
  3. Many people do not understand what reasonable and necessary means leading to complexity, confusion, conflict and inconsistency.
  4. Children and their families do not get the support they need to reach their goals and be part of the community.
  5. NDIS markets are not working, and many participants cannot find services they need.
  6. Better measurement of outcomes and performance would help participants make informed choices, keep providers and government accountable, and make sure the scheme is sustainable.
  7. There is a lack of focus on achieving long term outcomes relating to participation, inclusion in communities and employment.
  8. The roles of different support people are confusing. For example, plan managers and support coordinators.
  9. Lack of innovation in housing and living supports with many participants not having much choice about where or how they live.
  10. Improvements to systems are required to increase safeguards for all participants, while making sure they can still have choice and control.

The report has distilled these issues into five key challenges that will be considered in the review.  These include:

  • Why is the NDIS seen as the only means of support for people with disability (oasis in the desert)?
  • What does reasonable and necessary mean?
  • Why are there many more children in the NDIS than expected?
  • Why aren’t NDIS markets working?
  • How do we ensure the NDIS is sustainable?

We encourage NDIS providers to contribute to this very important process by submitting your views and potential solution on the issues identified.  This can be done by filling out an Online Survey by 25 August 2023.


Passionate experts in quality improvement for disability & human services. Supporting all States and Territories.

The EFA Enquirer: 14 July 2023

 

In this edition

  • Upcoming Training
  • Revised High Intensity Support Skills Descriptor Frequently Asked Questions
  • What do NDIS providers need to know about Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology?

Upcoming Training 

We are very excited to announce that we are running some brand new short course online training sessions via Zoom. Take a look below to see what we have on offer! 

1. Getting NDIS Mid-Term Audit Ready
4 August 2023 – 10:00am – 12:00pm AEST
Register Here

2. NDIS Incident Management Essentials
24 August 2023 – 10am – 12pm AEST
Register Here

3. Understanding NDIS Registration Groups
24 August 2023 – 1pm – 3pm AEST
Register Here


Revised High Intensity Support Skills Descriptor Frequently Asked Questions

The NDIS Commission recently updated the high intensity support skills descriptors (HISSD) which came into effect from 1 February 2023.  These updates were made to align the descriptors with contemporary practice, expert advice, and a participant-focused approach.

High Intensity Supports are complex supports required by NDIS participants in order to manage their daily lives.

The high intensity support skills descriptors (skills descriptors) serve as supplementary guidance for NDIS providers and workers who support participants with high intensity daily personal activities (HIDPA). They outline the specific skills and knowledge that NDIS providers should ensure their workers possess when delivering supports to participants who rely on HIDPA.

In June 2023, the NDIS Commission released Frequently Asked Questions to guide NDIS providers in the implementation of the skills descriptors.

It is important for registered NDIS providers, particularly those registered for Module 1 HIDPA, to familiarise themselves with the revised skills descriptors and understand the compliance requirements. Some key points for providers to consider include:

  • Registered NDIS providers must ensure that their workers meet the expectations outlined in the relevant skills descriptors.
  • NDIS providers should conduct annual reviews to ensure that their workers possess the current skills and knowledge described in the skills descriptors.
  • If a worker has not delivered support for a period exceeding three months or if a participant’s support needs have changed, it is recommended that the worker be reassessed and, if necessary, undergo refresher training.

To assist NDIS providers in assessing their workers’ skills and knowledge against the skills descriptors, EFA has developed a High Intensity Support Skills Descriptors Staff Audit. This audit provides a self-assessment checklist for each skill and knowledge area required for the respective individual descriptors. The completion of this audit should help identify areas where workers may require further training to ensure compliance with the NDIS requirements.

If you are interested in purchasing this staff audit or have any questions regarding your obligations in relation to high intensity skills descriptors please contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation.


What do NDIS providers need to know about Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly impact the disability sector by improving accessibility, enhancing assistive technologies, and promoting inclusivity.

NDIS providers need to be knowledgeable about how AI is being used in their organisation and how it could impact the ways they deliver services in the future.

AI technologies offer significant benefits to the disability sector. They can boost workplace effectiveness and efficiency, enabling NDIS providers to deliver better services to their clients. AI-powered assistive technologies have the capacity to enhance accessibility, empowering individuals with disabilities to overcome barriers and participate more fully in society.

Although AI technologies can be valuable in the workplace, responsible and ethical use of AI must be prioritised, in accordance with government approaches and organisational policies.

Presently in Australia, the Commonwealth Government and the NDIS Commission have released Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guiding Principles that provide a framework for the responsible and ethical use of AI, ensuring that AI systems prioritise human wellbeing, fairness, transparency, and accountability while promoting positive outcomes for individuals and society as a whole.

NDIS providers need to proactively consider the ethical framework within which they will employ AI in their organisation. This framework should align with the organisation’s values, respect privacy, promote fairness, avoid bias, and comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

Your policies and procedures should be updated to include risk management considerations associated with AI technologies to minimise negative outcomes and ensure responsible AI use.  They also need to ensure they are complying with relevant legislation including data protection, intellectual property, and privacy requirements.

NDIS providers should also provide guidance and training to their staff on responsible AI usage. It is crucial that employees understand their obligations and the potential risks associated with AI.

If you have any questions on how to properly ensure you have addressed AI in your documentation we can help.  Please contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation.


Passionate experts in quality improvement for disability & human services. Supporting all States and Territories.

The EFA Enquirer: 19 June 2023

 

In this edition

  • Upcoming Training
  • Participant File Reviews
  • Change to the age of children supported under the NDIS early childhood approach
  • Updated NDIS Pricing Arrangements
  • Key Points Arising from the Commission’s Latest NDIS Quarterly Report

Upcoming Training 

We are very excited to announce that we are running some brand new short course online training sessions via Zoom. Take a look below to see what we have on offer! 

1. Getting NDIS Mid-Term Audit Ready
4 August 2023 – 10:00am – 12:00pm AEST
Register Here

2. NDIS Incident Management Essentials
24 August 2023 – 10am – 12pm AEST
Register Here

3. Understanding NDIS Registration Groups
24 August 2023 – 1pm – 3pm AEST
Register Here


Participant File reviews

Have you thought about having an independent review, or mini audit, of participant files to verify the implementation of your systems against the NDIS Practice Standards?

EFA have extensive experience in conducting NDIS audits, which includes sampling participant files, interviewing participants and their support networks.

Benefits of an independent review of participant files includes:

  • Experienced independent person who can view files in an impartial way, and confirm consistency with your systems, the NDIS Practice Standards, and check for any anomalies which staff who are familiar with your participants may overlook.
  • Helps confirm whether your participant file management processes are effectively implemented, or whether improvement is required.
  • Could assist in identifying potential risks. For example, inconsistencies with files, missing key information which may appear ‘obvious’ to staff who know participants well.
  • Counts towards your ‘internal audit’ evidence.

A full internal audit or preparatory audit can also be conducted if required, but often, a mini audit such as this might be helpful to confirm things are working well, or in need of improvement.

If you would like to know more on how we can help you with participant file reviews or audits, please contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation.


Change to the age of children supported under the NDIS early childhood approach

NDIS providers need to be aware that from 1 July 2023, the age of children supported under the early childhood approach will progressively change from children under 7 years old, to include children younger than 9 years old.  This change is targeted at ensuring children and their families are supported by an early childhood partner during and after they transition to primary school.

The change will happen progressively over a 2 year period.  This means:

  • Children who are currently NDIS participants turning 7 after the 1 July 2023, will remain with their early childhood partner until they turn 9, if they require support up to this age.
  • Children who are currently NDIS participants, who are turning 7 before the 1 July 2023, will transition to a local area coordination partner, as is the current process.
  • Children younger than 9 with a permanent disability, who are new to the NDIS from the 1 July 2023, will be supported by an early childhood partner.

It is important to note that there will not be any changes to the NDIS eligibility requirements or the definition of developmental delay under the early intervention requirements outlined in section 25 of the NDIS Act.

For more detailed information on these changes, you can refer to the provided link here.


Updated NDIS Pricing Arrangements

The recent update to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on 5 May 2023 is indeed good news for both participants and providers in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The updated arrangements aim to ensure that participants receive value for money in the supports they receive while also providing fair compensation for providers.

With the recent update, the NDIS has adjusted the price limits for various support items. This increase in price limits is beneficial for NDIS providers, as it allows for fairer compensation for the services they deliver.

The Support Catalogue, which lists all available supports, assists providers in understanding the price controls and payment requirements when submitting a payment request.

It is important for NDIS providers to stay informed about the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits to ensure compliance and to make informed decisions regarding supports and services. Providers should review the updated arrangements to understand the new price limits and any changes in claim types associated with price-limited support items.


Key Points Arising from the Commission’s Latest NDIS Quarterly Report

The NDIS Quarterly report to Disability ministers 31 March 2023 raises a few interesting points that providers may be interested in:

  • The number of active participants with approved plans increased by 3.3% (592,059) between 31 December 2022 to and 31 March 2023.
  • The total number of active providers decreased from 9,660 as at 31 December 2022 to 9,543 as at 31 March 2023.
  • Utilisation decreased from 76% as at 31 December 2022 to 75% as at 31 March 2023.
  • The total number of enrolled SDA dwellings continues to increase. The number of active participants with SDA supports has increased by 18 per cent annually over the last three years, reaching 22,680 as at 31 March 2023.

We encourage NDIS providers to be familiar with the overall contents of the quarterly report.

If you are in need of NDIS provider support in the areas of quality management, compliance or business planning please contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation.


Passionate experts in quality improvement for disability & human services. Supporting all States and Territories.

The EFA Enquirer: 15 May 2023

 

In this edition

  • Upcoming Training
  • Renewing your NDIS Registration
  • Dual NDIS and Aged Care Registration Requirements for Residential Aged Care (RAC) Providers
  • Federal Budget 2023-24
  • NDIS Provider Spotlight

Upcoming Training 

We are very excited to announce that we are running a brand new online training session this month. 

Introduction to Psychosocial coaching in the NDIS

This workshop will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about the role of psychosocial recovery coaching in the NDIS.

It is being presented by one of our associates with extensive clinical and NDIS experience.

25 May 2023 – 10am – 1pm AEST
Register here

 


Renewing Your Registration

Do you know what the process is for renewing your NDIS registration?

As a registered NDIS Provider, you are required to renew your registration every 3 years. When your NDIS registration is due to expire, the NDIS Commission will send you a reminder email roughly 6 months before expiry with instructions on how to complete your renewal application in the portal.

To ensure that you remain a registered NDIS Provider you must apply to renew your registration and undertake another audit before the expiry date.

You will be required to complete a renewal application in the NDIS portal which is very similar to your initial registration application and includes providing organisation and registration group information.  You will also need to provide a self-assessment against the NDIS Practice Standards relevant to the supports and services your organisation delivers and upload any documents required as evidence.

You can find further information on the renewal steps and preparing for your audit with great tips in our blog here.

 


Dual NDIS and Aged Care Registration Requirements for Residential Aged Care (RAC) Providers

NDIS participants living in Residential Aged Care are dual participants of the NDIS and aged care systems.

On 1 December 2020, Residential Aged Care providers delivering services to NDIS participants in their facilities automatically became registered NDIS providers.  This ensured that all RAC providers were required to meet the requirements under the NDIS Code of Conduct and the NDIS Practice Standards.

As such, RAC providers have dual compliance requirements with the Aged Care Quality Commission and NDIS Commission. You can find further information about dual compliance requirements in our blog here.

 

What is in the 2023-24 Budget for the NDIS?

The Federal Budget for 2023-24 was handed down on 9 May 2023 with funding focused on getting the NDIS back on track to ensure it is sustainable in the future.

The measures outlined in the budget are targeted at improving the effectiveness and sustainability of the NDIS by improving the capability, capacity and systems to better support participants.

Key announcements include:

  • Capability: $429.5 million investment in the NDIA’s workforce capability and systems to ensure improved consistency and equity in decision-making for NDIS participants
  • Better planning: $73.4 million to better support participants to manage their plan within budget and holding plan managers, support coordinators and providers to account
  • Flexibility: $63.8 million to take a lifetime approach to ensure plans are more transparent and flexible
  • Supported independent living: $56.4 million to strengthen supported independent living decisions, by introducing a home and living panel to improve consistency across decisions and updating guidelines for planners to improve participants’ ability to live independently
  • Evidence-based supports: $29.3 million to improve oversight of services and increase take up of evidence-based supports
  • Blended payment trial: $24.6 million to trial blended payment models, to increase incentives for providers to innovate service delivery and improve outcomes
  • First Nations and remote communities: $7.6 million to pilot approaches to partner with communities to improve access to supports in remote and First Nations communities
  • Fraud: $48.3 million to crack down on fraud and non-compliant payments in the Scheme and to develop a business case for new IT platforms and systems to detect and prevent fraud and non-compliant payments.

Additional budget information can be found in The Hon Bill Shorten MP budget media release and the budget website here

One of the key messages from the government is that there will be an increasing focus on ensuring providers are doing the right thing in regard to providing quality supports to their NDIS participants.  Measures around: improving outcomes for supported independent living, eliminating unethical practices and introducing system reform to ensure the viability of the scheme will have a huge impact on the NDIS sector in the near future.

We would urge all providers to look at their quality management systems to ensure they are effective in supporting and safeguarding your participants.

If you require any assistance understanding your NDIS obligations or require documentation please contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation.

 


NDIS Provider Spotlight

The NDIS Commission is promoting on their website NDIS providers who exhibit good and innovative practices in their operations when delivering quality and safe supports and services to their participants. The initiative is called the Provider Spotlight.

The Provider Spotlight is not intended to be an endorsement of a provider’s overall activities, but instead focuses on a particular incident or activity which the Commission believes may be beneficial to share with other providers.

All NDIS providers are encouraged to share their approaches and innovations to support delivery and participant engagement by emailing communications@ndiscommission.gov.au.

In the spirit of continuous improvement, we encourage NDIS providers to have a look at what other providers are doing and reach out to the Commission if you feel like you are doing something well that other providers may benefit from.

 


Passionate experts in quality improvement for disability & human services. Supporting all States and Territories.

The EFA Enquirer: 13 April 2023

In this edition

  • Upcoming Training
  • NDIS Quarterly Report
  • NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission letter to Specialist Disability Accommodation Providers
  • Inclusion Australia ‘Your service, Your rights’ Workshops

Upcoming Training 

We are very excited to announce that we are running some brand new short course online training sessions via Zoom. Take a look below to see what we have on offer!

1. NDIS Plan Review
27 April 2023 – 10am – 12pm AEST
Register here

2. Emergency and Disaster Management (Business Continuity)
28 April 2023 – 10am – 12pm AEST
Register here

3. Introduction to NDIS Registration Requirements
11 May 2023 – 9:30am – 11:30am AEST
Register here

4. Risk Management for NDIS Providers
11 May 2023 – 1:30pm – 4:30pm AEST
Register here

5. Introduction to Psychosocial coaching in the NDIS
25 May 2023 – 10am – 1pm AEST
Register here


NDIS Quarterly Report

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has published its Quarterly Activity Report, covering the period 1 October 2022 to 31 December 2022 for all states and territories in Australia. The report provides an overview of NDIS Commission activities, including complaints, registrations, reportable incidents, behaviour support and compliance.
The NDIS Commission uses this information along with complaints and incident reports to target areas for compliance and education activities.

We encourage NDIS providers to read the report as it provides them with information about the NDIS market place plus, areas where the Commission will be focusing on in the future in terms of compliance actions.
Key issues of note are in the areas of complaints, reportable incidents, unauthorised restrictive practices and compliance actions.

There were 2001 complaints in this period with the highest percentage of complaints in provider practice (43%), followed by alleged abuse and neglect (25%) and worker conduct (23%).  This highlights that there is a need for providers to better understand the requirements and responsibilities under the NDIS practice standards by having NDIS policies and procedures in place that are being properly implemented and communicated to their staff through quality training.

There was an overall increase of 7% (5296) in the number of reportable incidents with the highest category in abuse or neglect followed by serious injury.   Of those reported 908 were reported to the police. There was also a 12% increase in the use of unauthorised restrictive practices which remains a concern and highlights the need for greater training of staff in this area and the promotion of positive behaviour support strategies to reduce the use of restrictive practices.

The Commission has taken over 7587 compliance actions against providers in the last 6 months including education initiatives (4865), registration refusals (269) and banning orders (42).

The NDIS Commission has been clear that it will continue to focus on ensuring NDIS providers understand their responsibilities and implement the NDIS Practice Standards, NDIS Code of Conduct and other quality and safeguards requirements to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people with disability.  They will also take action in cases where there has been a risk to the safety of NDIS participants.

If you are unsure if your documentation or training adequately cover offs on these requirements, we are here to help, contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation to chat about your compliance obligations.


NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission letter to Specialist Disability Accommodation Provider

On 10 February 2023, Tracey Mackey the NDIS Commissioner wrote to all registered Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) providers reminding them of their obligations under NDIS legislation including the NDIS Code of Conduct and NDIS practice standards specific to the provision of SDA.

SDA is a range of housing designed for people with very high support needs with accessible features to help residents live more independently and allow other supports to be delivered in a safe way.

The Commissioner emphasised that the nature of the delivery of SDA supports raises the risks associated with the independence and control of NDIS participants choice of NDIS supports.  They have received reports of concerning practices in the sector that is limiting the choice and control of NDIS participants including:

  • conflict of interest concerns where SDA providers are entering into commercial arrangements to provide other NDIS supports exclusively in their dwellings or specifying who may provide other NDIS supports and services within an SDA dwelling
  • charging fees to NDIS participants and/or other NDIS providers to deliver supports and services within an SDA dwelling in the absence of transparent service agreements.

The NDIS Commissioner stressed that these practices are inconsistent with NDIS provider obligations that require ‘each participant’s right to exercise choice and control over other NDIS support provision is not limited by the participant’s choice of specialist disability accommodation dwelling’.

It is critical to the rights and interests of participants residing in SDA that:

  • service agreements transparently outline all terms and conditions that apply to their SDA dwelling and any associated service or tenancy agreements
  • the provision of accommodation and other NDIS supports is not impacted by the NDIS participants choice of who provides their other NDIS supports.

The NDIS Commission is of the view that SDA providers have had sufficient time to understand their obligations as SDA providers and will initiate compliance activities by issuing requests for information to SDA providers, using the NDIS Commissioner’s powers under section 73F(2)(i) of the NDIS Act to obtain information.

This information will be used to ascertain the compliance of SDA providers and help the NDIS Commission develop and target further education and compliance actions where obligations are not being met.

We urge SDA providers to review their documentation and systems to ensure you are meeting your obligations under the NDIS legislation and practice standards to promote your NDIS participants’ independence, choice and control about the supports they engage under their NDIS plan.

If you require any assistance understanding your NDIS obligations or require documentation please contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation.


Inclusion Australia ‘Your service, Your rights’ Workshops

Inclusion Australia are working with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to deliver new Your Service, Your Rights workshops  for people with an intellectual disability and their supporters to understand their rights when they receive services through the NDIS.
The workshops will cover the following topics:

  • Rights and Services
  • NDIS Commission – Code of Conduct and complaints process
  • Importance of speaking up and supports to do so
  • How to be involved in making supports safe

Workshops will be running across Australia until June 2023 both in person and online.

We recommend all NDIS providers promote this workshop to your NDIS participants. You can find out when they are running in your state and territory by contacting Inclusion Australia.


Passionate experts in quality improvement for disability & human services. Supporting all States and Territories.

The EFA Enquirer: 17 March 2023

In this edition

  • Upcoming Training
  • New NDIS Practice Alert on High Risk Restrictive Practices
  • NDIS Consumer Rights
  • NDIS Participant Fact Sheets about behaviour support
  • Own Motion Inquiry into Platform Providers Operating in the NDIS Market

Upcoming Training 

We are very excited to announce that we are running some brand new short course online training sessions via Zoom. Take a look below to see what we have on offer!

1. Introduction Internal Audit Training
24 March 2023 – 10:30am – 1:30pm AEST
Register here

2. NDIS Plan Review
27 April 2023 – 10am – 12pm AEST
Register here

3. Emergency and Disaster Management (Business Continuity)
28 April 2023 – 10am – 12pm AEST
Register here


New NDIS Practice Alert on High Risk Restrictive Practices

Did you know the NDIS Commission released a new Practice Alert on High Risk Restrictive Practices?

In January 2023, the NDIS Commission released a new Practice Alert on high risk restrictive practices.

High-risk restrictive practices place participants at high risk of harm and are associated with adverse and catastrophic outcomes for participants such as long-term psychological or physical injury and death.

The NDIS Commissioner remains concerned about the use of high risk restrictive practices in the sector.

We recommend NDIS providers read the Practice Alert and review their current practices to ensure that no high risk restrictive practices are in use.  You can read more about this new practice alert in our blog here.


NDIS Consumer Rights

As an NDIS provider do your know your clients have consumer rights for the supports they purchase under Australian Consumer Law?

Just like regular businesses providing goods and services to consumers, businesses who provide goods and services to consumers with a disability have obligations under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA), referred to as Australian Consumer Law and the NDIS Code of Conduct.

The consumer law provides a set of protections and obligations for any consumer transaction within Australia, including those through the NDIS. Breaches of NDIS participants consumer rights are a key concern of relevant government agencies.

The ACCC have released resources to assist NDIS participants and providers understand consumer rights when selling and buying goods and services.  You can read more about these consumer rights at our blog here.


NDIS Participant Fact Sheets about behaviour support

The NDIS Commission have released five Fact Sheets about behaviour support targeted at NDIS Participants.  The fact sheets were created out of consultations with NDIS participants, peak and practitioner bodies to ensure they and their families have the right information about behaviour support delivered in an accessible manner.

The five participant fact sheets include:

  1. What is positive behaviour support
  2. Understanding your rights
  3. Choosing a specialist behaviour support provider
  4. What to expect from your specialist behaviour support provider
  5. What to do if you are not happy with your specialist behaviour support provider 

The participant fact sheets are available in Plain English and Easy Read formats.

There is also an Introductory Video – Participant Fact Sheets for Behaviour Support explaining the fact sheets.

We encourage NDIS providers to share these resources with their clients.

If you have any questions regarding your obligations in relation to behaviour support and restrictive practices please contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation.


Own Motion Inquiry into Platform Providers Operating in the NDIS Market

The NDIS Commission are conducting their Own Motion Inquiry into Platform Providers Operating in the NDIS Market .

NDIS Platform providers are online platforms and online subscription services that connect workers with NDIS participants. There are registered and unregistered Platforms Providers with variations in how quality and safeguards and uncertainty about who is responsible for ensuring services are delivered safely and of a high quality.

The number of Platform Providers now represent a significant and growing proportion of the NDIS market.

The Inquiry will hear from people with disability accessing NDIS services and supports through Platform Providers, and Platform Providers themselves.

The issues that will be looked at in the Inquiry include:

  • Participants access, experience and engagement
  • Supports and services accessed and delivered
  • Quality and safeguarding arrangements aligned with the NDIS Code of Conduct spanning quality improvement and assurance
  • Trends, patterns and insights from data and feedback
  • Relationship between Platform Providers, workers and participants
  • Differing business models, assurance and governance structures

The Commissioner intends to share key learnings and helpful resources with the goal to promote participant rights to safe and quality NDIS supports.

Consultations are open until 28 April 2023 and NDIS providers and participants can make a submission by:

– Sending an email to ownmotioninquiry@ndiscommission.gov.au

– Sending a recording or video

– Completing an online survey


Passionate experts in quality improvement for disability & human services. Supporting all States and Territories.

The EFA Enquirer: 17 February 2023

In this edition

  • Upcoming Training
  • Welcome Patty Wassenaar to the EFA team
  • NDIS Workforce Capability Position Description Tool
  • The Importance of Emergency and Disaster Planning
  • How well are you prepared for your mid-term audit?

Upcoming Training 

NDIS Business and Strategic Planning

This is a brand new training session on offer!

This workshop is delivered by a NDIS Business Planning expert.  This course will provide you with the practical and essential information and tools you need to develop or review your NDIS business and strategic plans.  Business and Strategic planning are mandatory NDIS requirements, but moreover essential for successful, sustainable and viable businesses.

Date and time: Friday, 24 February 2023, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm AEDT

Original price: $330
Now $297

Simply enter promo code ‘SAVE10’ upon checkout to receive a 10% discount


Welcome Patty to the EFA team

The EFA Enquirer: 17 February 2023 3

We would like to warmly welcome Patty Wassenaar to the EFA team.  Although Patty has worked as an associate for EFA she has now joined our EFA team on a permanent basis two days a week.

Patty has an extensive background in Quality Management Systems that are coupled with over 20 years lead auditor experience in the Disability and Human Services Sector as well as training and mentoring staff. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Certification Accreditation Requirements for both JAS-ANZ and related Government Department schemes.

We are privileged and excited to have someone of Patty’s caliber working for us.


NDIS Workforce Capability Position Description Tool

Having the right position descriptions are vital to attracting the right people to your organisation with the skills and knowledge that are suited to the role and your NDIS business.

The NDIS Commission have developed a NDIS Workforce Capability Framework that describes core worker capabilities that can give your workers and potential workers a clearer understanding about both the type of work they will  be doing and how it should be done.  You can read more about the Framework here Guidance document for providers about impact of Workforce Capability Framework – Engels Floyd.

These core capabilities can be used as the foundation for building and reviewing current position descriptions for different participant needs and delivery environments.

To assist you in this, the NDIS Commission have released a Position Description Tool to support NDIS providers to develop position descriptions based on the capabilities in the Framework.  You can read more about this tool in our blog here.


The Importance of Emergency and Disaster Planning

How well is your business prepared for handling emergencies and disasters that may impact how you provide ongoing services to your NDIS participants?

The last few years have taught us how important it is for NDIS providers to have robust emergency and disaster management plans in place to ensure the continuity of supports critical to the safety, health and wellbeing of participants.

  • Do you also have a good understanding of how emergency and disaster processes should be reflected in each participant’s service agreement and support plan?
  • Have your clients been consulted and included in plans to manage disaster risk to ensure their critical supports are person centred and tailored to their situation?
  • Have your considered how you will monitor the safety and wellbeing of your clients if they could not receive services temporarily?

It is a requirement of NDIS registration that NDIS providers demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the new NDIS practice standard ‘Emergency and Disaster Management’. This will be assessed at every audit.

If you are unsure if your policies and procedures cover off on these requirements, we are here to help, contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation.


How well are you prepared for your mid-term audit?

Under the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework, all registered NDIS providers whose last audit was a certification or recertification are required to complete a mid-term audit as a condition of maintaining your registration as an NDIS provider.

The mid-term audit is an onsite assessment of how well you are continuing to meet the requirements of the NDIS Practice Standards. This usually includes a documentation review and interviews with participants and staff.

You can read more about how to prepare for your mid-term audit and what might happen if you fail to undertake a mid-term audit by the due date here.


Passionate experts in quality improvement for disability & human services. Supporting all States and Territories.

The EFA Enquirer: 24 January 2023

In this edition

  • Happy New Year
  • Important Information for Supported Independent Living Providers – NDIS Commission’s First ‘Own Motion’ Inquiry into Supported Accommodation
  • Upcoming Training

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2023! All of us at EFA wish you, your families, your colleagues, and all NDIS participants a Happy and Safe New Year. We look forward to supporting you in the new year to provide safe and quality supports for NDIS participants.  If you require any assistance, please contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation.


Important Information for Supported Independent Living Providers NDIS Commission’s First ‘Own Motion’ Inquiry into Supported Accommodation

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has recently released the findings of its first ‘own motion’ Inquiry looking at the experiences of NDIS participants living in supported accommodation.

For supported independent living (SIL) NDIS providers, it is important to consider these findings, and the actions that will now be taking place to improve long term outcomes.  Read here for more information.

There will be an increased and strengthened focus on compliance, particularly around new SIL specific regulatory requirements, tenancy management, feedback and complaints, incident management, reportable incidents, training and restrictive practices.

A robust quality framework will be essential to fulfil these new requirements.

If you would like to discuss how you are meeting your requirements under the NDIS Practice Standards, and how you can prepare for these new compliance requirements please contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation.


Upcoming Training

We are excited about our suite of training for 2023. Some ‘old favourites’ plus some new training – all designed to set you and your business well for the next year.

1. NEW! Business and Strategic Planning – Introductory discounted rate.This workshop is delivered by a NDIS Business Planning expert, this course will provide you with the practical and essential information and tools you need to develop and review NDIS business and strategic plans that work well for your business. Business and Strategic planning are mandatory NDIS requirements, but moreover essential for successful, sustainable and viable businesses.Date and time: Friday 24 February 2023, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm AEDT

Click here to register

2. NDIS Restrictive Practices & Behaviour Support for Implementing Providers – Discounted rate available!This workshop focuses on compliance requirements and obligations of providers implementing behaviour support plans associated with the NDIS Practice Standards and associated NDIS (Behaviour Support and Restrictive Practice) Rules. Date and time: Thursday, 16 February 2023, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm AEDT

Click here to register

Request a free, no obligation 20 min consultation with one of our experts!