When going through the process of NDIS Registration, you will need to ensure that you have Policies and Procedures in place that meet the National Practice Standards. You will also need to understand and comply with the following standards as set out in the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. These requirements include:
NDIS Code of Conduct - Review and understand the NDIS Code of Conduct. You will need to include a copy of the Code of Conduct in your Policies and Procedures with your operational Policies, providing a statement that your business endorses and follows the NDIS Code of Conduct. You need to include this as part of your training for existing employees and key personnel, along with Induction training content for all new employees or contractors.
Mandatory Worker Orientation Module - "Quality, Safety and You" is a free NDIS online learning course which takes about 90 minutes to complete. Everyone in the business must complete this training and retain the course completion certificates ready to show as part of your compliance requirements. There are also optional elearning modules to support new entrants to the disability sector which is also available (but not mandatory). Please see the introductory video explaining the course further as below.
Worker Screening - To help ensure the safety of NDIS Participants, all key personnel and those in Risk Assessed Roles will need to apply for a Worker Screening Check. This check can be completed when your business is either NDIS Registered or an NDIS Participant has nominated you for this check. All roles need to be risk assessed (there is criteria included in the NDIS documentation), along with who is fulfilling those roles and whether they have the Worker Screening Check in place. If they don't have the check in place, then you will need to meet the transitional arrangements that are applicable in each State or Territory.
Complaints Management - The NDIS require that all businesses providing services to NDIS Participants must have a complaints policy. The aim is to ensure that vulnerable people know how to make a complaint and that the business has a defined and clear process to manage the complaint. The NDIS has provided a fact sheet to assist businesses comply.
Reportable Incidents - It's important to understand what the NDIS defines as reportable incidents so you are alert to the mandatory reporting obligations providers have and to ensure you are clear about the strict reporting timeframes which must be adhered to.
All of the above standards need to be understood and enacted as part of the business's operational service delivery. This requires understanding by all involved in the business and for Providers to ensure that they are carrying out their service in accordance with these standards. You will need to incorporate these standards into your everyday practice. This will include:
Quality Recruitment process ensures that time is spent ensuring the best-fit people with the appropriate background qualifications, accreditations, experience and employer references to match the roles are brought into the business.
Staff Induction and Training - staff received a high-quality Induction that sets clear expectations and provides a solid foundation of knowledge to deliver excellent services. Training is set out in a plan that meets their needs and the NDIS standards.
Service Delivery - that the Participant receives the required information about the service and NDIS standards are incorporated - which may be including a Client Handbook, providing information about how to give feedback and to make a complaint, what's in the Service Agreement, including their rights and responsibilities.
Documentation/Website/Brochures - must all contain references to these Standards.
Once all the NDIS Quality and Safeguards are in place, better service standards will be in place for Participants and the business is more likely to operate in a quality and consistent manner.
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