How to Become a NDIS Registered Provider

Since the rollout of the NDIS in 2016, thousands have joined the new revolution in disability care by becoming a NDIS registered provider - but just exactly how do you become a NDIS registered provider?

We have prospective providers ask us these types of questions everyday so to assist in streamlining this process we have provided an overview of how to become a NDIS registered provider and how provider one can assist you on your journey.

Complete the NDIS application online

The NDIS commission provides an online application form for providers wishing to register as NDIS service providers. When submitting this application, you will need to make sure that you have access to:

• Your organisation’s contact details
• Your corporate structure
• Your outlets/places of operation; and
• Your key personnel.

As part of your application, you will also need to select the registration groups that corollate with the types of support you are wanting to provide to participants through the NDIS, which will ultimately dictate what NDIS practice standards will apply to your business.

Different supports have different levels of risk associated with their delivery. Therefore, depending on what registration groups you select as part of your application will determine if you will need to undergo either a verification audit or a certification audit in order to show your suitability to provide the supports you have selected in your application.

To assist in working out if you are able to provide particular supports through the NDIS, please refer to the NDIS provider registration guide to suitability which contains a list of all registration groups and relevant pre-requisites and/or qualifications required.

As part of your application, you will also need to complete a self-assessment against the NDIS practice standards relevant to the supports and services your business intends to deliver through the NDIS.  As part of this component of the application, you will need to provide evidence of how your business currently meets the relevant practice standards such as policies and procedures, forms, registers, quality systems, complaint management systems and much more. 

Note:

• You don't have to submit your application all at one time - you can save the application form, including self-assessment responses, and return to complete it at any time within 60 days.
• Once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes to the information provided.

Step 2. Select an approved NDIS quality auditor and complete an audit

Once your application is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation which will also contain an Initial Scope of Audit document which will contain the registration requirements that apply to your business including:

• If you require a verification audit or certification audit; and
• What your business will need to demonstrate to comply with the relevant NDIS practice standards.

You need to now engage a NDIS approved quality auditor to undertake the audit. 

Verification Audit

A verification audit is for all providers (excluding government entities) delivering lower risk, lower complexity supports and services only. When registering for verification, NDIS providers supply documentation against the four standards and each outcome within the verification module of the NDIS practice standards. Evidence of systems and processes to manage work health and safety, incidents and complaints is also required, proportionate to the size of the organisation.

These documents are checked through a desktop audit undertaken by a NDIS approved quality auditor. A desktop audit involves the reviewing of documentary evidence such as policies and procedures, registers, forms and relevant qualifications, expertise, and experience of employees.

Certification Audit

A certification audit is for all providers delivering higher risk, more complex supports, and services. If you deliver a range of services and just one of them falls into a high-risk registration group, you will need to undergo a certification audit. 

Certification audits are completed in two stages:

Stage 1 - is an off-site desktop audit which consists of a NDIS approved quality auditor conducting a review of the documentary evidence you provide.

Stage 2 - is an on-site audit where generally a team of two NDIS approved quality auditors will visit your office and service delivery sites to examine your business’ implementation of and compliance with the NDIS practice standards.

Note:

• It is important to note that you can only select from an approved NDIS quality auditor listed upon the NDIS website – NDIS list of approved auditors.
• Due to auditing companies not being directly affiliated with the NDIS, it is important to make sure that you get a few quotes from different companies as pricing will vary.
• Once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes to the information provided.
• The quote(s) provided by an approved quality auditor will be based on the information which you provide.
• Although there is no cost to apply to be a registered NDIS provider, you will face the cost of the audit.
• This cost is exponential according to the type of services you offer (i.e. If you offer 'high risk' services like behaviour support, you will need to undergo a certification audit which is more expensive than the verification audit (desktop audit) that would apply to a gardening service.)

Step 3. The NDIS commission will assess your application and make a decision

Once the NDIS approved quality auditor has completed their audit of your business, they will submit their findings to the NDIS commission who will:

• Consider the audit outcomes; and
• Conduct a suitability assessment of your organisation and key personnel. 

The NDIS commission will then make a decision and contact you to let you know if your application has been successful.

Provider One

At Provider One, we understand how complex the NDIS registration process may be and that whilst delivering participant care may be where you shine, constructing complex audit-ready documentation may not exactly be your fortè.

We can assist you with every step of the NDIS registration process through our comprehensive NDIS packs which include everything you need to become a NDIS registered provider - no matter what your needs may be.

Provider One also offers consulting services to help you find your feet and gap assessment services for current NDIS registered providers who are looking at updating their current system or undergoing an audit.

Our team consists of industry-specific expert consultants who specialise in delivering strategic advice and disability care and support - get in contact to start your journey to become a NDIS registered provider today!