Are you considering becoming a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider? If so, there are certain things that you will benefit from being aware of that can help set you up for long-term success.
The important role of approved NDIS providers is to provide support services to the individuals suffering from disabilities listed under the NDIS clauses. Under the scheme, the NDIS providers can give low-risk or high-risk support to their patients. There are more than 22,000 registered NDIS providers in Australia.
As a support worker or carer, the National Disability Insurance Scheme’s (NDIS) aim is to simplify finding clients and managing billing. As you go through the process to become a NDIS provider, you may consider the important role that NDIS worker insurance (including Public Liability insurance and Professional Indemnity insurance) can play in reducing the exposure to risk for your business.
If you’re considering registering to become an NDIS provider, a great starting place is to call the NDIS helpline (1800 800 110) to talk about your business offering, and whether your services can be offered under the NDIS. If it is, then it’s time to register your business with the NDIS.
Registering with the NDIS
For many disability support businesses, registering with the NDIS is optional. However, to become a registered NDIS service provider you must complete an NDIS service provider application and register with the NDIS if any of the following apply to you:
- You provide a service to NDIS participants.
- You offer complex services.
- You offer specialised accommodation.
- You have restrictive practices as part of your offering.
If you intend to become a NDIS provider in NSW or in any other Australian state or territory, you’ll need to go through the registration process. To register for the NDIS you must:
- hold a ‘working with children check’, and a police check.
- Register for an ABN, or have not-for-profit status.
- Register for a PRODA account on the NDIS website.
- Register and complete the NDIS application.
How long does NDIS registration take?
The time it takes to complete your NDIS registration process will depend on how complex your business is. There are three types of NDIS audits: quality audits, verification audits, and certification audits.
After registering as an NDIS provider, you then need to be audited. If you are successful with your audit you will gain an NDIS declaration of suitability. The type of audit you’ll need to undertake will be determined by your individual business and may include the following three types of audits.
1. Quality audits
To prove your suitability, you will be required to be audited according to the NDIS Practice Standards. This will either be a ‘verification’ or a ‘certification’. It will be up to you to contact an approved auditor to determine if your organisation complies with the NDIS Practice Standards.
2. Verification audits
If you intend to provide low complexity, lower risk services and support, you’ll likely only need a verification audit, especially if you already comply with professional regulation as a part of conducting your business and have already proven you meet similar standards.
3. A certification audit
If you intend to provide more complex or higher risk support and services, you may be required to go through a certification audit. If so, you will be assessed against the NDIS Practice Standards, which may include the core module and any supplementary modules related to the type of support you deliver.
You can find the evidence you’ll need to provide to get your NDIS accreditation by referring to your type of organisation against its registration requirements.
To complete your certification, you’ll need to engage an NDIS auditor. As part of the process, the auditor will review your paperwork, visit your sites, and interview a selection of your employees and clients. If your support caters for High-Intensity Daily Personal Activities registration group, you will also be assessed against the High-Intensity Skills Descriptors.
Your ongoing commitment as an NDIS provider
Once registered as an NDIS provider, you will receive your NDIS provider registration number and will be required to follow all NDIS guidelines and obligations, including:
- NDIS Code of Conduct;
- Complaints process;
- Mandatory worker screening;
- Reportable incident requirements;
- Restrictive practice reporting; and
- Practice Standards verification.
How NDIS worker insurance can support your business
NDIS worker insurance, also commonly referred to as insurance for disability workers, can help your disability service business meet its obligations as an NDIS provider. Under the NDIS Terms of Business for Registered Providers (2017), NDIS participants are required to maintain an adequate level of insurance including Public Liability insurance and Professional Indemnity insurance.
Holding Professional Indemnity insurance and Public Liability insurance will provide you with protection while you help your clients achieve a better quality of life. Whether you are a sole trader, contractor or carer as part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you could be exposed to risks which may result in a Professional Indemnity or Public Liability claim against your business.
While as an NDIS provider you may fulfil your role carefully and in the most responsible manner, the reality is accidents can happen. For disability support workers, having Professional Indemnity insurance and Public Liability insurance may prove vital important for you to continue provide support for you your clients.
Your Professional Indemnity insurance can provide cover for an award or settlement of compensation; as well as help cover defence costs.
Whether you operate as a contractor, sole trader, or carer (possibly as part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)), you may be exposed to risks that may result in a Professional Indemnity claim or Public Liability claim against you.
BizCover helps registered NDIS providers across Australia to reduce the risks to their business via pain-free disability worker insurance* made easy online. BizCover customers enjoy our more convenient and faster approach to purchasing business insurance. We take the drama out of comparing business insurance quotes and purchasing disability worker insurance online in minutes, not hours. Choose BizCover for your disability worker insurance and get on with your day.
