NDIS Provider Checklist and Requirements

Providing NDIS support requires more than good intentions—it involves clear compliance, proper training, and the right insurance. Following NDIS rules protects participants, staff, and your business.

Highlights

• NDIS Worker Screening: All workers in risk-assessed roles must hold a valid NDIS Worker Screening Check.
• First Aid/CPR Certification: Staff delivering personal or health support need current training.
• Incident Management System: Follow the NDIS Incident Management and Reportable Incidents Rules 2018.
• Policies and Procedures: Align with the NDIS Practice Standards and the NDIS Code of Conduct.
• Transport Requirements: Staff providing transport must hold a valid driver’s license and use compliant vehicles.
• Record Keeping: Maintain all qualifications, training, and insurance records relevant to the services you provide.

What is a NDIS Provider?

A NDIS provider is a person, business or organisation that delivers services and support to participants funded under the NDIS.

NDIS providers can be both registered and unregistered:

• Registered: Can deliver higher-risk support and appear on the official NDIS Provider Register.
• Unregistered: Can provide many types of support but have fewer obligations

Submitting a New Application

1. If you choose to become a registered NDIS provider, you will need to submit an application and be approved.
2. Confirm whether your support type requires registration.
3. Gather ABN, business insurance policies, worker screening evidence, and training records.
4. Submit your application through the NDIS Commission portal.
5. Select relevant registration groups.
6. Complete the audit.
7. Wait for assessment:
   • Approved: Begin providing supports.
   • Not approved: Review gaps and re-apply.

Choosing an Approved Auditor

Both registered and unregistered NDIS contractors must pass an audit that confirms they are suitably set up to work with patients.

Providers must use a NDIS-approved auditor. Costs are the provider’s responsibility. (NDIS Commission Auditing)

There are several types of audit that you may need to undergo, such as:

• Verification Audit: For lower risk support.
• Certification Audit: For higher-risk or complex support.
• Two-stage audits / Mid-term audits: If you originally completed a certification audit, you may be audited again in 18 months into your registration period.
• Out-of-cycle audit: For providers wanting to change their registration, e.g., to offer more services.

Preparing for the NDIS Assessment

The NDIS Commission evaluates:

• Policies and procedures
• Staff training and qualifications
• Audit results
• Overall capability

Waiting times vary depending on registration group and audit outcomes.

Documentation, Policies, and Processes

NDIS providers are required to follow strict patient-care policies and processes, including maintaining proper documentation. Maintain records for:

• Incident management
• Complaints handling
• Behavior support
• Worker screening
• Risk management

Review policies regularly to stay compliant with NDIS standards.

Essential Checks for Staff

Check	Requirement	Cost	Validity	How to Get
NDIS Worker Screening	Risk-assessed roles	Varies by state	Typically, 5 years	State/Territory screening unit
Working With Children Check (WWCC)	Work with children	Free/fee	Varies	State/Territory authority
National Police Check	Trust/responsibility roles	Fees apply	3–12 months	Police Check service (e.g., AFP)
First Aid / CPR	Personal/health support	Training fees vary	Typically, 3 years	Accredited course in state/territory

Qualifications, Training, and Insurance

Workers must hold relevant qualifications and complete ongoing training, including the NDIS Worker Orientation Module.

They are also required to hold appropriate levels of insurance, as outlined in the NDIS Practice Standards.

Insurance to maintain:

• Public Liability – Covers third-party injury or property damage
• Professional Indemnity – Covers claims of professional error
• Workers’ compensation – Covers employee work-related injuries

Incident Management and Reportable Incidents

NDIS contractors and providers must also follow the NDIS Incident Management and Reportable Incidents Rules 2018. This document helps protect patients by outlining which incidents must be reported and actions provider must take to investigate and correct serious incidents.

Reportable incidents include:

• Death of a participant
• Serious injury
• Abuse or neglect
• Unlawful sexual or physical contact
• Sexual misconduct
• Unauthorized restrictive practices

Reporting Requirements:

• Death, serious injury, abuse, or assault: within 24 hours
• Other incidents, including unauthorized restrictive practices: within five business days via the NDIS Commission portal. Include details of the incident, actions taken, and contacts.

Regulated Restrictive Practices

Some practices are strictly controlled under the NDIS Restrictive Practices and Behavior Support Rules 2018. This is to protect patient safety and wellbeing.

Types of restrictive practices:

• Chemical restraint – Medication to influence behavior
• Mechanical restraint – Devices restricting movement
• Physical restraint – Manual restriction
• Environmental restraint – Limiting access, e.g., locked doors
• Seclusion – Isolating a participant

Any use of restricted practices must be included in a behavior support plan, authorized, used as a last resort, and reported if unauthorized.

FAQs for new NDIS support workers

Can I start working while waiting for checks?

No. Complete all required checks first.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Only if transporting participants. License and vehicle must meet legal requirements.

Can I become a NDIS provider as a sole trader?

Yes. Register with the NDIS Commission, maintain insurance, and meet all requirements.