How to Become NDIS Provider?

ByJohn
ndis (1)-2658386a

Are you looking for assistance in registering as an NDIS provider? Are you overwhelmed by the process of NDIS provider registration? Follow these 5-step registration steps to begin your journey toward becoming one.

Every provider, existing or new to the NDIS, must be registered on this platform. Before being considered for registration by the NDIS Commission, providers must verify or certify their eligibility.

After approval by the Commission, the individual, organisation, or partner applying to register must also possess a few desirable characteristics to increase marketability.

This post will explain the steps involved in becoming a provider under NDIS. We’ll also share tips about what standards you should keep remaining relevant in your business as an NDIS provider.

What is an NDIS Provider?

An NDIS provider is an individual or organisation providing support or services to NDIS participants. These providers may be registered under the NDIS Safeguard Commission or not.

There are two types of NDIS providers:

  • High-risk support
  • Low-risk support

High-risk support refers to an individual, organisation, or partnership undertaking delicate tasks under the NDIS. This category requires a more stringent qualification. High-risk support includes:

  • Daily High-Intensity Personal Activities
  • Specialised Positive Behaviour Support
  • Specialized Disability Accommodation
  • Skills for Daily Living and Life
  • Support coordination, among other things

On the other hand, low-risk support can perform support-related tasks that don’t require as much care or are less complex. The verification process for low-risk support is online and allows for assessment. Services low-risk support offers include:

  • Accommodation/Tenancy Assistance
  • Decorations (Interior & Exterior)
  • Modifications to Vehicles
  • House chores include walking the dog, cleaning and other household chores.
  • Assistive products (vision equipment, recreational gear, hearing aids etc.)

5 Step Registration Assistance to Become an NDIS Provider

These five steps will help you register as an NDIS provider after deciding on the best service for your needs.

1. Confirm Your Eligibility

If you don’t take the time to check if your qualifications are appropriate for the NDIS provider role, it will be a big leap of faith. These steps will help you determine your status.

  1. To confirm your eligibility, contact the Commission at 1800 035 544.
  2. You can browse the services available on the website and click the one that interests you.
  3. As a partner or organisation, ensure your workers are properly screened according to the national screening process.
  4. This is crucial. You must comply with the behaviour support requirements. This includes reporting unethical behaviour to the NDIS Commission.
  5. Get an Australian Business Number (ABN).

2. Complete the Online Application Form

Next, fill out the online application form. This will ask you to enter your:

  1. Contact us
  2. Information about your business (address and structure, etc.)
  3. Self-assessment

You have the option to pause your application for up 60 days. Your application will be deleted from the portal after 60 days. If you are still interested, a new application is required.

After you submit the application form, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the “initial scope” document of the audit. This document will be submitted to your auditors.

3. Have your Audit performed by an approved auditor

After completing your online application, you will receive mail tagged with ‘initial scope audit’ indicating if you require validation or audit.

These terms should not be confused. Email is the standard procedure according to the applicable NDIS Practice Standards, which the Commission requires all providers to follow.

If you provide low-risk services to beneficiaries, you must undergo a verification audit. These lists are of low-risk services you might find useful. These providers must show proof that they meet the requirements of the risk management policies.

The process of certifying audit allows providers to be inspected by quality auditors for high-risk services. High-risk services include Daily Personal Activities, Specialist positive behaviour support, Assistance with Daily Living Tasks in a Group, or Shared Living arrangements (Support Independent Living/Short-Term Accommodation).

Individuals and corporate bodies that provide high-risk services need to show they have passed at least one Practice Standard test.

A certification audit is a two-step process. This is in contrast to the single-phase verification audit.

  • Review of documents
  • Visit by auditors on-site

Verify that the NDIS has approved your auditor. The list of approved auditors can be viewed here. Compare the budgets of different auditors before you submit.

4. In Await of an Assessment by the Commission

The NDIS Commission will:

  • Review the application and make a review of it. You can check your organisation’s hierarchy, such as the CEO, directors and MDs.
  • Also, review the audit report of the auditor you have hired and take action.

Once the assessment is complete, the Commission will contact you.

Upon your request, the decision made in your favour or against you will be explained to you within three months. The following certification will be given to successful applications:

  • List of services that you will provide (high-risk or low-risk)
  • The service duration
  • You must adhere to these regulations

5. Advertise with and comply with the Guidelines

Congratulations! Now it’s time to get started as an NDIS provider. Join forums to have easy access and connect with customers from all over the country.

Marketing your business can help you spread the word. Your visibility and trust can be increased by the positive reviews you receive from clients.

Never forget to mention the fact that you must adhere to the rules you signed when you applied.

What Does it Cost to Be an NDIS Provider?

Registering on the website as an NDIS provider is free. It can be tedious and time-consuming. You can only take money out of your wallet when you hire a registered auditor for your application. The fee you pay will depend on your service risk. Low-risk services are more expensive than high-risk ones.

Verification costs between $900 and $1500. Certification costs $3,000 to $5,000. This certification is quite expensive, requiring an audit and an on-site visit.