Speak Out February 2021 DIGITAL EDITION

Association NEWS

Governance & safeguarding systems under the NDIS

All states and territories are now under the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission (the Commission). This is separate to the NDIA, with a different website www.ndiscommission.gov.au and phone number 1800 035 544. The Commission oversees the conduct of all providers of NDIS supports, registered and un-registered. If there are concerns regarding the conduct of a provider, the safety and wellbeing of a participant, or the use of unauthorised restrictive practice, these can be raised, or a complaint can be made with the Commission. The NDIS Code of Conduct applies to registered and unregistered providers and details the expectations for providers and workers. Key points include: • ensuring that the person providing the service has the skills and experience to perform the role (members should refer to the Professional Standards relevant to the area of practice) • ensuring all providers and staff have appropriate supervision • ensuring all providers and staff have (or are covered by) the appropriate insurance. Registered providers must have an incident management system and lodge any reportable incidents with the Commission within particular timeframes. Members can refer to the NDIS Private Practice Policy and Procedure manual on the NDIS page of the SPA website for examples and templates.

The new NDIS Worker Screening Check will be available nationally from 1 February 2021, except in the Northern Territory which will transition from 1 July. Registered NDIS providers are required to ensure that they only engage workers who have been cleared in risk assessed roles, using the new process from 1 February, and maintaining particular records. The NDIS Worker Screening Database will commence operation when the NDIS Worker Screening Check commences in a state or territory. NDIS providers and individuals will need to apply to the NDIS Commission to access information stored on the database. Access to the NDIS Worker Screening Database will become available to registered NDIS providers from 1 February 2021 via the NDIS Commission Portal. There is more information regarding worker screening on the Commission website and in the NDIS Private Practice Policy and Procedure manual on the NDIS page of the SPA website. Members can also contact the Commission on 1800 035 544 or the Association on 1300 368 835 or advisor@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au if you have further questions.

Erin West Professional Practice Advisor Amy Fitzpatrick Senior Advisor Disability

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Speak Out | February 2021