NDIS Registration and Audit Made Easy

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is the quickest way for me to register with NDIA as a service provider?

  The general tendency is to launch straight into the application process, The Commission estimates the average time taken to complete an application as 3 months. This indicates the level of details required from you. It is therefore best to prepare a Business Plan upfront and also gather all the documents you need to attach. Here are some hints:

  1.  Check if you can meet the formal requirements of becoming a registered provider
  2. Ensure that your Business Plan includes the following details required in your application:
     a. Type of disability support services you choose to offer
     b. Locations and outlet details
     c. Skills required for this venture
     d. Number of staff and position descriptions
     e. Extent of services (Eg Number of beds for a Group Home).
  3. If you are a new business, decide on the type of corporate structure you wish to use to set up your business and who the partners or directors are. Obtain the certificate of incorporation or registration of business.
  4. Obtain an ABN from the Australian Taxation Office.
  5. Ensure you can meet the NDIS Practice Standards.
  6. Prepare for the Self-Assessment section in the application form by developing the 5-20 policies and governance practices (vary depending on the type of support services you choose to provide) required for the audit.
  7. Engage an external consultant if you decide you are not able to prepare these policies yourself.
  8. Commence your application for NDIS Registration via the online Application Form in the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission website.

• What are the key steps I need to follow to register with NDIA as a service provider?

  STEP 1. Complete the online application form

  1. Provider information
  2. Registration groups for the services the organisation chooses to provide and location/s
  3. Self-assessment against the NDIS Practice Standards.

   STEP 2. Select an approved quality auditor

  1. Once you submit the online application to the NDIS Commission, you will receive an ‘Initial Scope of Audit’ document by email, summarising the registration requirements that apply to your organisation and the type of audit and what your organisation needs to demonstrate to comply with the relevant NDIS Practice Standards.
  2. Request a quote from a few (say 3) auditors by discussing the ‘Initial Scope of Audit’ and appoint an approved quality auditor.

   STEP 3. Undergo an audit

  Usually there is a lot of toing and froing from auditors with queries, so stand by to respond to auditor’s queries and provide any additional information required. The auditor will submit the outcome of their audit to the NDIS Commission through an online portal.

   STEP 4. NDIS Commission assesses your application and makes a decision

  In assessing your registration application, the NDIS Commission will consider the outcomes of the audit and conduct a suitability assessment of your organisation and key personnel. The Commission could request additional information. Their response times vary.

   STEP 5. Receive your application outcome

  Successful applicants will receive a certificate of registration outlining the services or supports you are registered to provide, the period of registration, and any conditions you must follow to keep your registration.

   STEP 6. Get Access to the NDIS Commission Portal

  Use your NDIS Registration Number to set up the NDIS Commission Portal. The portal is used to renew registration, update registration details, add or remove registration groups, notify the NDIS Commission of changes and events, submit behaviour support plans and incident reports, report uses of unauthorised practice, etc.

• Are you grappling with the Self-Assessment section in your NDIS registration application right now?

  Most applicants find it challenging to describe the service outcomes required in the Self-Assessment. This is because service outcomes are based on your policies and procedures but at this stage you may not think these policies are required. However, these policies are checked at the time of the pre-registration audit which is mandatory.

  Preparing the policies first before attempting the Self-Assessment not only makes the process easier for you but will ensure that your Self-Assessment responses correspond with what you state in your policies and procedures, often a sticky point with the auditors. It is therefore an investment worth making before the application as attaching the policies to the application minimises audit queries and reduces audit time and thereby costs.

• As a participant what are your benefits of having your NDIS plan managed by an NDIS registered Plan Manager?

  √ Your Plan Manager will take away all the pressure involved in the overall management of your NDIS plan
  √ A better understanding of the provisions of the Scheme and your entitlements
  √ Maximum benefit from funds allocated to you
  √ Frees you of the time commitment in reconciling invoices, paying them and getting reimbursed from NDIS
  √ Quicker turnaround times to develop service agreements, claim payments from NDIA and pay providers
  √ Regular monthly statements
  √ Assistance to select service providers
  √ Help you to develop your capabilities to self-manage your plan in future, where this is possible
  √ You won’t need to pay any money out of your own pocket for plan management, as funds will be included in your NDIS plan. Funding of up to $1,435 is available to set up plan management in your NDIS plan if you choose this method of management.