Provider 
FAQ

Do I need to be registered with NDIS?

A service provider only needs to be registered if they provide supports to a NDIS participant who is ‘NDIA Managed’ within the support category in which you will be claiming supports. A participant’s NDIS plan will identify how their plan is managed. A participant who is Plan Managed or self-managed has the flexibility to access both registered and non-registered providers. There are a number of specialist supports which a provider must be NDIA registered, e.g. Specialist Behaviour Support. 

Do I need set up a service agreement with a NDIS participant?

The NDIA recommends having a written service agreement so it is clear to both parties, what supports will be delivered and how they will be delivered. A service agreement is only recommended, however, it must be in place for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). For more information, please refer to the Service Agreement topics within the Participant and Service Provider tabs, visit www.ndis.gov.au or phone 1800 800 110.

What services does NDIS funding cover?

The NDIS funds a range of supports and services which may include education, employment, social participation, independence, living arrangements and health & wellbeing. The NDIA has determined that the supports included in a participant’s NDIS plan are considered to be ‘reasonable and necessary’ to enable the participant to reach their individual NDIS plan goals. In order to be considered reasonable and necessary, a support or service:

• Must be related to a participant’s disability
• Must not include day-to-day living costs not related to the participants disability support needs, such as groceries
• Should represent value for money
• Must be likely to be effective and work for the participant, and
• Should take into account support given to the participant by other government services, their family, carers, networks and the community.

Further information on ‘reasonable and necessary’ supports can be found on the NDIS website (https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis/reasonable-and-necessary-supports)

What are my responsibilities as a provider?

All registered and unregistered NDIS providers have responsibilities and obligations to NDIS participants.

The NDIS Code of Conduct

(https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/providers/ndis-code-conduct)

The NDIS Code of Conduct applies to all registered and unregistered NDIS providers (including their employees) and sets clear expectations for appropriate and ethical conduct in delivery of supports and services.

The NDIS Code of Conduct requires workers and providers who deliver NDIS supports to:

• Act with respect for individual rights to freedom of expression, self-determination, and decision-making in accordance with relevant laws and conventions
• Respect the privacy of people with disability
• Provide supports and services in a safe and competent manner with care and skill
• Act with integrity, honesty, and transparency
• Promptly take steps to raise and act on concerns about matters that might have an impact on the quality and safety of supports provided to people with disability
• Take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to all forms of violence, exploitation, neglect, and abuse of people with disability
• Take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct.

The NDIS Commission

(https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/providers/ndis-code-conduct)

Further guidelines available to help both NDIS providers and workers understand their obligations under the NDIS Code of Conduct are available on the NDIS Commission website.

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissions provides an ‘Understanding providers’ obligations’ to provide guidelines around providers’ obligations.