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📢 Attention providers! Starting 1 October 2024, there’s an important update regarding the pricing for Intensive and Complex Behaviour Supports. This change allows you to claim these supports at the same price limit as High-Intensity Supports, addressing previous concerns linked to the removal of “challenging behaviours” from the High-Intensity Support definition.

What You Need to Know

Eligible Supports

Providers offering the following supports can now access the higher price limit:
• Assistance with Daily Life Tasks in a Group or Shared Living Arrangement
• Daily Personal Activities
• Participation in Community, Social and Civic Activities
• Group and Centre Based Activities

Requirements for Claiming the Higher Price Limit

To take advantage of this new pricing structure, there are specific requirements you must meet:

1. Alignment with Participant Plans: Ensure that the behaviour support you provide is consistent with each participant’s plan.
2. Registration and Assessment: You must be registered and assessed for Module 2A by 30 June 2025.
3. Application for Registration: If you’re new or need to amend your registration, make sure to complete the Module 2A audit and submit your application by 30 June 2025.

Next Steps

For detailed information on these updates, please refer to the Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits available on the Pricing Arrangements webpage: https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements

This is a significant opportunity for providers to enhance the support they offer while ensuring they can claim appropriately for the vital services they provide. Stay informed via our In The News page and ensure you’re prepared to implement these changes effectively!

Written by Amanda Robinson, B.A., MMentalHealth Prac.

Amanda is a professional with over a decade of dedicated
experience in the fields of Mental Health and Disability. Her extensive
expertise lies in navigating the intricate landscape of the Disability Sector.
She brings a unique perspective to her work, being both a person with lived
experience of disability and a compassionate carer. She has a passion for
advocacy, making her a staunch champion for the rights and well-being of
individuals facing similar challenges.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is about to embark on two exciting new pilots under its Quality Supports program. These initiatives are designed to ensure that participants with complex needs in the NDIS receive the high-quality services they deserve. Let’s dive into what these pilots entail and why they matter.

What’s Happening?

The NDIA is selecting a group of experienced NDIS providers to take part in two pilots aimed at delivering Support Coordination and Supported Independent Living (SIL) services. These services are crucial for participants with complex needs, ensuring they get the right support to live their lives as independently as possible.

Support Coordination is about helping people with disabilities navigate the NDIS and access the services they need to achieve positive outcomes. SIL, on the other hand, focuses on providing round-the-clock care, including overnight support, for those who require a higher level of assistance in their daily lives.

Why These Pilots?

Many NDIS participants, particularly those with high needs, face challenges accessing appropriate supports. These pilots aim to bridge that gap. The NDIA recognises the importance of having experienced, committed providers who understand the needs of these participants.

As the Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten, put it, “We want all NDIS participants to receive high-quality supports… we must ensure we retain experienced providers and support coordinators who have significant expertise in high-needs markets.”

These initiatives come on the heels of feedback from the sector, especially after the Annual Pricing Review (APR), which highlighted the need for changes to support high-quality service delivery. The goal is to incentivise top-tier providers to continue delivering excellent care.

The Details

Both pilots will run for 12 months, giving the NDIA time to evaluate their effectiveness and make improvements for the future. Here’s a breakdown of what’s involved:

• Quality Support Coordination: The NDIA will work with high-quality providers registered for levels 2 and 3 support coordination. These providers must have a proven track record of delivering excellent services to a large number of participants. This pilot addresses concerns that some top-quality providers are struggling financially, ensuring they get the backing they need to continue their important work.
• Quality Supported Independent Living (SIL): Similarly, the NDIA will select providers capable of delivering SIL supports to participants with complex needs, ensuring that these vulnerable individuals don’t fall through the cracks. Providers for this pilot will be selected based on strict criteria to ensure they can meet the high demands of this role.

What’s Next?

Applications for these pilots will open in October, and the selected providers will be announced soon after. The NDIA will share more information on their website in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out if you’re interested.

The big takeaway is that these pilots represent a major step forward in ensuring that all NDIS participants, especially those with high needs, have access to the best possible support. And while the pilots are time-limited, their outcomes will help shape the future of how these critical services are delivered across the country.

The NDIA is working hand-in-hand with participants, ensuring they maintain choice and control over the services they engage with. Ultimately, the aim is to deliver quality outcomes for people with disability.

For more updates, keep an eye on our In The News Page!

Written by Amanda Robinson, B.A., MMentalHealth Prac.

Amanda is a professional with over a decade of dedicated experience in the fields of Mental Health and Disability. Her extensive expertise lies in navigating the intricate landscape of the Disability Sector. She brings a unique perspective to her work, being both a person with lived experience of disability and a compassionate carer. She has a passion for advocacy, making her a staunch champion for the rights and well-being of individuals facing similar challenges.

For many professionals in the disability sector, online NDIS compliance training delivered through a Learning Management System (LMS) is an essential tool for training and compliance. However, it’s no secret that many users have encountered ongoing frustrations with their LMS platform and system:

1. Slow Turnaround for Updates: Relying on your training provider to update critical items often leads to delays that can impact workflow and efficiency. The slow turnaround can leave teams waiting for vital resources.
2. Cumbersome Reporting: Generating reports through some LMS platforms can be a multi-step process that feels unnecessarily complicated. With so many layers, getting the data you need quickly becomes a frustrating experience.
3. Difficulty in Reaching Support: With some training providers, getting in touch with someone can be a real challenge when issues arise. The lack of responsive customer service can often delay problem resolution and leave users feeling unsupported.

At NGO Training Centre, we understand the frustrations that come with slow updates, complex reporting, and a lack of support from your LMS provider. These pain points shouldn’t stand in the way of quality training and compliance or hinder productivity.

That’s why the NGO Training Centre offers a fast, simple, and responsive solution—putting control back in your hands.

If you’re tired of dealing with these challenges, let’s talk. Whether you want seamless data migration or a user-friendly experience, we’re here to help. Please share this post, drop a comment, or send me a direct message, and let’s explore how we can make training easier for you and your team!

Learn about the benefits of our excellent LMS

View our comprehensive course list

Contact us today!

 

Written by Matthew Crawford, PGCert(Bus)

Matt has over a decade of experience in B2B sales and business development and with a passion for human services, is deeply committed to driving meaningful solutions within the disability sector. His commitment to improving service quality and his deep understanding of client needs make him a trusted partner in advancing the capabilities of organisations that support people with disability across Australia.

The Albanese Government is advancing significant reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) by introducing a new registration system for providers. This move aims to improve support for participants by ensuring stronger regulation of NDIS providers and workers.

In February 2024, the NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce was established and charged with delivering independent advice on the design and implementation of a new, risk-based regulatory model as part of the NDIS Review.

After thorough consultations, the Taskforce made 11 key recommendations, along with 10 actionable steps. These changes cover the registration of providers and workers, with some measures requiring immediate implementation, while others will be developed in close consultation with the disability community.

What NDIS Providers Need to Know: Key Changes from the New Registration System

The Albanese Government is introducing a new registration system for NDIS providers to enhance participant safety and service quality. Here’s what providers can expect:

Key Changes for Providers:

1. Mandatory Registration for Specific Providers:
   • Platform providers, support coordinators, and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers will be required to register with the NDIS.
2. New Regulatory Model:
   • A risk-based regulatory system will be implemented to better monitor and regulate providers and workers.
3. Rule Changes Coming in October 2024:
   • The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission will start consultations to update registration rules for support coordinators, platform providers, and SIL providers.
4. Gradual Implementation:
   • There will be a transition period to help providers adjust to the new mandatory registration requirements.
5. Ongoing Consultation:
   • The government will consult with the disability community to shape the final design of the new regulatory model, including NDIS Practice Standards for SIL providers.
6. Self-Directed Supports:
   • Initial consultations will also focus on participants who self-direct their supports and how they will be defined under the new registration system.
7. Increased Oversight:
   • The NDIS Commission will implement a prioritisation model to handle the growing number of complaints and reportable incidents, ensuring better oversight of provider practices.

Providers should prepare for these changes by staying informed and participating in upcoming consultations. The goal is to enhance service quality, participant safety, and provider accountability.

Additionally, there are various NDIS consultants nationwide who can assist with registration. When selecting a consultant, ensure they have the relevant experience and expertise.

Engels Floyd Quality Consulting have decades of experience in the disability and quality sectors. They are the only consultancy to have trained all NDIS auditors on behalf of the Commission, ensuring an in-depth understanding of registration and audit requirements. Engels Floyd will collaborate with you to ensure your systems, documentation, and training are fully prepared for the audit. They also offer preparatory audits to identify any potential non conformities ahead of your formal audit. With lived experience of disability and a reputation for integrity, they offer national support and a complimentary consultation to discuss your questions.

Feel free to reach out to them at info@engelsfloyd.com or call 1300 790 194 for more information.

For more details, the Taskforce’s full advice can be found on the Department of Social Services website: https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers-standards-and-quality-assurance/ndis-provider-and-worker-registration-taskforce

We will continue to keep you updated as we hear more.

👉🏼 Stay tuned!

 

Written by Amanda Robinson, B.A., MMentalHealth Prac.

Amanda is a professional with over a decade of dedicated experience in the fields of Mental Health and Disability. Her extensive expertise lies in navigating the intricate landscape of the Disability Sector. She brings a unique perspective to her work, being both a person with lived experience of disability and a compassionate carer. She has a passion for advocacy, making her a staunch champion for the rights and well-being of individuals facing similar challenges.

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is stepping up its game, banning a record number of providers doing the wrong thing, and handling an unprecedented wave of complaints last financial year. This comes after a significant funding boost from the Albanese Government.

Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten, recently released the Commission’s 2024-25 Corporate Plan, revealing a huge spike in complaints and reportable incidents—up 78.2% and 47.3%, respectively. Shorten credits this rise to Labour’s investment in doubling the Commission’s workforce and upgrading outdated phone and IT systems.

The Commission’s campaigns, collaborations with the ACCC, and new social media channels have made it easier for NDIS participants to voice their concerns. Between April and June 2024, the Commission received 8,303 complaints, a sharp increase from 2022 under the previous government.

In the first half of 2024, the Commission issued 62 banning orders, over 25% more than last year, targeting non-compliant providers and workers. Thanks to a $160 million investment in new technology systems, the Commission is now better equipped to regulate and protect both participants and the Scheme.

“The Commission is now properly set up to ensure safe, quality services for NDIS participants,” said Shorten. You can read the full media release here: https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/15876

💪🏼 Ensuring full compliance and that your staff are thoroughly trained and competent is crucial to delivering the highest quality care to participants. Remember, the NGO Training Centre is here to support all your training needs, so you can focus on what matters most—providing exceptional care without worry.

The 2024-2025 Corporate Plan is now available on the NDIS Commission website: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/about/corporate-documents#paragraph-id-7819

Written by Amanda Robinson, B.A., MMentalHealth Prac.

Amanda is a professional with over a decade of dedicated experience in the fields of Mental Health and Disability. Her extensive expertise lies in navigating the intricate landscape of the Disability Sector. She brings a unique perspective to her work, being both a person with lived experience of disability and a compassionate carer. She has a passion for advocacy, making her a staunch champion for the rights and well-being of individuals facing similar challenges.

Bill Shorten, Minister for the NDIS, has announced Louise Glanville as the NEW Commissioner of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards Commission, succeeding Acting Commissioner Mike Phelan.

Louise Glanville, a former Deputy CEO of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), brings extensive experience in disability and legal sectors. She aims to prioritise safety and quality within the NDIS, describing her return as “unfinished business.”

Natalie Wade, a leading disability rights lawyer and woman with lived experience, will join as Associate Commissioner. Natalie will focus on reforms and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.

Minister Shorten praised both appointments, highlighting their expertise in ensuring participant safety and regulatory oversight during a critical time of reform. Mike Phelan will step down as Acting Commissioner on September 30, 2024.

Read more about it in the Minister’s media release here: https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/15811

Stay tuned for further NDIS updates via our In the News Page!

Written by Amanda Robinson, B.A., MMentalHealth Prac.

Amanda is a professional with over a decade of dedicated experience in the fields of Mental Health and Disability. Her extensive expertise lies in navigating the intricate landscape of the Disability Sector. She brings a unique perspective to her work, being both a person with lived experience of disability and a compassionate carer. She has a passion for advocacy, making her a staunch champion for the rights and well-being of individuals facing similar challenges.

The Australian Senate has just passed the NDIS reform bill, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). While the government positions these reforms as necessary steps to manage the scheme’s costs and growth, reactions have been divided.

The disability community, advocates and state governments have voiced significant concerns. People are worried that these changes could reduce vital services and supports, with some responsibilities potentially shifting to states and territories. Additionally, there is unease about the possibility of participants shouldering the costs of essential assessments, raising equity issues.

Despite these challenges, the government is committed to moving forward, promising to co-design the implementation of these reforms alongside the community.

However, many remain cautious and uncertain about how these changes will truly impact the NDIS in practice.

We will keep you in the loop with any updates as they arise, and opportunities to contribute to these changes.

 

Written by Amanda Robinson, B.A., MMentalHealth Prac.

Amanda is a professional with over a decade of dedicated experience in the fields of Mental Health and Disability. Her extensive expertise lies in navigating the intricate landscape of the Disability Sector. She brings a unique perspective to her work, being both a person with lived experience of disability and a compassionate carer. She has a passion for advocacy, making her a staunch champion for the rights and well-being of individuals facing similar challenges.

The NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce was set up to advise on a new regulatory model suggested in the NDIS Review Final Report. This model aims to manage risks proportionately.

In July 2024, after consulting with the disability community, the Task Force gave its advice to the Minister. The advice included recommendations on:

• How to design and implement the new regulatory model.
• A framework to assess provider risks.
• How to handle situations where participants hire their own workers or use platform providers.

The government will review these recommendations with input from the disability community, providers, and state and territory governments.

To make things a little easier, we have summarised the Key recommendations for Providers and Workers for you.

So, what does this mean for Providers and Workers?

Here are some Key Recommendations for Providers that were delivered by the Taskforce:

1. Selective Registration: Not all providers should be registered under the current legislative definition. For example, mainstream retailers would not need registration (Recommendation 1).
2. Legislative Framework: A new legislative framework with four registration types based on risk levels is recommended (Recommendation 3).
3. Platform Providers: These providers should be registered (Recommendation 4).
4. Unannounced Visits: Group homes should undergo unannounced visits to ensure compliance and quality (Recommendation 5).
5. Registration of SIL and Home and Living Supports: All providers of Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Home and Living supports should be registered within the next 12 months (Recommendation 5).
6. Strengthened Provider Obligations: Enhanced focus on quality through stricter obligations related to the Code of Conduct, worker screening, complaints, incident reporting, and performance measurements (Recommendation 8).
7. Enforcement Processes: Strengthened or new processes to enforce provider obligations, including suitability assessments and ongoing monitoring (Recommendation 9).
8. Worker Registration Scheme: Establishment of a registration scheme for workers (Recommendation 10).
9. Recognition of Allied Health Practitioners: Allied health practitioners with professional registration should be included in the worker registration scheme (Recommendation 11).

Next Steps:

• Registration of SIL and Home and Living Supports: Implement registration for these providers within the next 12 months.
• Design and Consultation: Further consultation and co-design with the disability community to develop and implement the recommendations, including the provider risk framework and improved provider obligations and processes.

The recommendations are currently under consideration by the Government, with future consultation opportunities to be communicated by the Department of Social Services and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Interested parties are encouraged to subscribe for updates on the NDIS reforms at the Department of Social Services website.

Now, here are some Key Recommendations for Workers that were delivered by the Taskforce:

• Worker Registration Scheme: Introduce a scheme for all workers, including a public register, professional development requirements, and a training and qualifications framework. The definition of “worker” should be co-designed.
• Legislative Framework: Develop and co-design a legislative framework to support the worker registration scheme.
• Worker Screening: Apply screening to all workers in higher-risk roles but not for those in Basic or Self-Directed categories.
• Professional Registration: Recognise professional qualifications within the Worker Registration Scheme.

NDIS Worker Screening:

• No mandatory screening for workers in Basic or Self-Directed categories.
• Improve information sharing between governments and develop culturally safe procedures for First Nations peoples.

Next Steps:

• Further consultation is recommended with people with disability, the disability sector, workers, and unions on the definition of “worker” and the legislative framework.
• The government is considering these recommendations, and updates will be communicated by the Department of Social Services and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

For more detailed information, you can read the full Taskforce Advice on the Department of Social Services, NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce website.

We will continue to provide you updates as they arise and are committed to working with providers and workers to ensure that we continue to deliver high-quality training that aligns with any new legislative requirements.

Written by Amanda Robinson, B.A., MMentalHealth Prac.

Amanda is a professional with over a decade of dedicated experience in the fields of Mental Health and Disability. Her extensive expertise lies in navigating the intricate landscape of the Disability Sector. She brings a unique perspective to her work, being both a person with lived experience of disability and a compassionate carer. She has a passion for advocacy, making her a staunch champion for the rights and well-being of individuals facing similar challenges.

The NDIS will soon provide a clear definition of what supports are funded, aimed at providing clarity for people with disability and strengthening the scheme, announced NDIS Minister Bill Shorten.

The Australian Government has announced an initiative to clearly define what supports will and won’t be funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This initiative aims to provide greater clarity and strengthen the scheme for people with disabilities. We have broken it down for you:

✨ Key take-aways:

• Draft Lists of NDIS Supports: Public consultation has been opened for draft lists detailing NDIS supports. These lists were developed based on current guidance and practices.

• Transitional Rule: The lists will serve as a transitional rule until a formal agreement is reached between the Commonwealth and States and Territories.

• Empowering Participants: The goal is to offer participants clearer information on allowable purchases with their NDIS funds, facilitating more informed decisions.

• Flexible Budgets: The definition of supports will aid in transitioning to more flexible budgets as recommended by the NDIS Review.

• Public Consultation Period: The consultation period is open until August 18, 2024. Feedback from the public will be closely considered before finalising the lists.

• No Immediate Changes: During the consultation, there will be NO changes for participants or providers.

The initiative aligns with the NDIS Review’s recommendation for more flexible budgets. While consultation is underway, there will be no changes for participants or providers.

Feedback from the public consultation, open until August 18, 2024, will be considered carefully before finalising the defined supports.

📢 Providers:

The draft lists are available on the DSS Engage website, and you are encouraged to provide feedback at www.engage.dss.gov.au You can also request a callback via the DSS Enquiry line on 1300 653 227.

Your feedback will help make sure the new definitions are right and will help NDIS participants and providers when selecting supports.

Read the full media release here: https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/15536

We will continue to keep you in the loop💪🏼.

Written by Amanda Robinson, B.A., MMentalHealth Prac.

Amanda is a professional with over a decade of dedicated experience in the fields of Mental Health and Disability. Her extensive expertise lies in navigating the intricate landscape of the Disability Sector. She brings a unique perspective to her work, being both a person with lived experience of disability and a compassionate carer. She has a passion for advocacy, making her a staunch champion for the rights and well-being of individuals facing similar challenges.

In breaking news, the Federal Government has finally responded to the Disability Royal Commission recommendations but has not committed to some key recommendations, such as ending special schools, group homes, and segregated employment.

Out of 172 recommendations, the government has not promised to create a Disability Rights Act or a Federal Disability Department.

This response comes 10 months after the final report and four months past the suggested deadline which has many community members up in arms. Not only that, only a handful of recommendations were fully accepted, leaving many devastated.

Here’s a breakdown of the government’s response:

• Accepted (13 recommendations): Fully accepts or supports the recommendation.
• Accepted in principle (117 recommendations): Supports the intent but may consider different implementation methods.
• For further consideration (36 recommendations): No position formed yet due to ongoing inquiries or the need for further consultation.
• Noted (six recommendations): Used for recommendations where acceptance or rejection is not appropriate, often because they fall outside the federal government’s remit.

The government emphasised its commitment to working with state governments and people with disability to implement reforms.

“Our government is fully committed to the vision of the disability royal commission: a community where people with disability are free from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation,” said Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth.

She noted that the government had accepted most recommendations in principle and is taking the issue seriously.

Governments will provide updates on their progress every six months and an annual update to the national cabinet.

Keep an eye on this space and we will update you as we hear more.

Written by Amanda Robinson, B.A., MMentalHealth Prac.

Amanda is a professional with over a decade of dedicated experience in the fields of Mental Health and Disability. Her extensive expertise lies in navigating the intricate landscape of the Disability Sector. She brings a unique perspective to her work, being both a person with lived experience of disability and a compassionate carer. She has a passion for advocacy, making her a staunch champion for the rights and well-being of individuals facing similar challenges.