Becoming an NDIS registered provider: what’s involved and why it matters

Do you need to register as an NDIS provider?

Some providers must be registered, while others can choose to register.

When is registration mandatory?

You must be an NDIS registered provider if you

·         Want to work with NDIA-managed participants (participants who have their funding managed by the NDIA).

·         Provide specialist services, such as: Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), behaviour support, restrictive practices.

Who can use unregistered providers?

·         Self-managed participants can use any provider (registered or unregistered).

·         Plan-managed participants can also use unregistered providers.

Why choose to register?

Even if it’s not required, registering as an NDIS provider offers many benefits:

·         Access to more clients – you can support NDIA-managed participants, increasing your business reach.

·         Listed in the NDIS Provider Directory, making it easier for participants to find your services.

·         Build credibility – registration shows you meet NDIS Practice Standards, verified by an independent approved quality auditor like QIP.

How to become an NDIS registered provider

Registering involves several steps, takes time, and comes with costs. Here’s a simplified breakdown.

Step 1: Apply through the NDIS Commission Provider Portal

·         Go to the NDIS Commission Provider Portal and create an account.

·         Provide details about your business, key personnel, qualifications, and policies.

·         Select your registration groups (the types of services you provide).

·         The NDIS Commission will review your application and determine how you must meet the NDIS Practice Standards send you a ‘scope of audit’, which determines the type of audit required: certification audit for high-risk services like personal care or restrictive practices or verification audit for lower-risk services like domestic help, gardening, or transport.

Step 2: Engage an approved quality auditor (e.g., QIP)

·         If you need a verification audit, contact QIP for our one-off, flat-rate price.

·         Provide details of your business and scope of audit.

·         Make payment to start the process.

·         The QIP client liaison team will set up your client portal for document submission.

QIP contact details: W qip.com.au/ndis | P 1300 888 329 | E ndis@QIP.com.au

Step 3: Submit your documents for the verification audit

This is the most time-consuming step, as you must provide evidence that your business meets NDIS Practice Standards.

·         Upload your documents to QIP’s client portal (e.g., policies, qualifications, compliance documents).

·         A QIP Auditor (an experienced disability and human services professional) will carry out a desktop review of your documents.

·         The auditor will prepare a detailed report for you, noting any issues (non-conformities).

·         The report goes through a technical review before being submitted to the NDIS Commission.

NOTE! What is a Desktop Audit? A desktop audit means your documents are reviewed remotely, rather than through an in-person review.

Step 4: The NDIS Commission decides

·         The NDIS Commission reviews the audit report and the auditor’s recommendation.

·         They also assess the suitability of your key personnel (based on the information you provided in Step 1).

·         The commission makes a final decision on a case-by-case basis.

Step 5: receive your registration

If the NDIS Commission approves your application – congratulations!

·         You receive an NDIS Certificate of Registration.

·         You’ll be listed in the NDIS Provider Register.

·         Your registration will include details about the types of services you can provide and any conditions.

·         You can now market your services to a larger client base.

If the NDIS Commission doesn’t approve your application, they will provide feedback on why it was unsuccessful. You can request a review of the decision.

Ongoing responsibilities after registration

Once registered, you must:

·         Report incidents, complaints, and safeguarding measures as per NDIS guidelines.

·         Ensure ongoing staff training (if applicable) and maintain compliance with NDIS Practice Standards.

·         Renew your registration every 3 years (includes submitting a renewal application via the NDIS Commission Provider Portal, updating your business details, and undergoing another verification audit). The NDIS Commission will notify you six months out from your registration expiry date.

Final thoughts

Becoming an NDIS registered provider opens up opportunities to support more participants and grow your business. However, the process requires time, effort, and ongoing compliance with NDIS regulations. It also involves costs to engage an approved quality auditor like QIP to carry out the verification audit.

Whether you must register or choose to register, understanding the steps and planning ahead for your verification audit can help you successfully attain your Certificate of Registration from the NDIS Commission.

Contact QIP to find out about our one-off, flat-rate fee for your verification audit and how we can guide you through the process: QIP contact details:  W qip.com.au/ndis | P 1300 888 329 | E ndis@QIP.com.au