4 signs you are ready for NDIS commission quality audit

The NDIS scheme is 50% through with being rolled out with its services and support. With the beginning of 2020, about a quarter of a million participants will be a part of the scheme. Also, all states except Western Australia will be covered by the NDIS scheme. This has many implications for the participants and providers alike. With the ever-growing number of service providers also comes the challenge of being prepared for the audit. The Quality and Safeguarding Framework is in charge of ensuring that the standard and quality of services provided are up to parr. Service providers are having a hard time trying to make sense of all the business rules imposed upon them. More than half of the policies have been replaced and/or updated when compared to the old ones. Here are some pointers on knowing if you are ready for an NDIS audit.

1. The checklist

For the purpose of assisting organizations and individuals in becoming full-fledged providers of services, the NDIA developed the Provider Readiness Checklist. You will need to use the said checklist as a way to self-assess if you are ready, or in need of certain NDIS audit preparations to cover anything that might have been overlooked. The checklist helps you to grasp all the prerequisites that are required of you in order to become a registered provider. These terms and conditions need to be met before starting the registration process in order to minimize unnecessary waste in time, effort and finances by informing yourself beforehand. When all the criteria are met, you can deem yourself ready to apply.

1. Participant expectations

An adequate service provider needs to meet certain demands that participants are expecting. You need to know what they want from the NDIS and what they are interested in getting from various providers. The latter will give you insight into how to differentiate yourself from the rest of the market while following the rules and standards provided by the NDIS. Also, the providers need to be aware of the journey the participants will be taking when a plan is put in place. As one of those providers, you will be in charge to make said journey as pleasant and seamless as possible. Information is key, so make sure to do your own research and see if the type of support you are offering is the one that is in demand by NDIS participants. The needs of said participants are too many to list here and they will be looking for providers that can help meet them. Every participant is different and so, will need individualized plans developed at the start of their plans. Providers will need to demonstrate adequate capacities in order to meet said needs, compelling value for money ratio, ease of use in terms of location and proximity and much more. Your role as the provider will be to meet as many of these as possible in order to be competitive in a large market.

1. Know the terms and conditions

The Terms of Business documents are specifying certain conditions that are legally binding on a services provider. These outline the requirements needed in order for doing business as a Registered Provider. The documents include but are not limited to, business practices and service delivery, payment methods, pricing, reporting, how to handle complaints conflicts of interest and record maintenance. Other documents such as the Quality and Safeguards Working Arrangements are cross-referenced and also demand attention as each state and territory has its own specific model. This is important, as failing to comply to said terms could be grounds for the NDIA to revoke any and all participation statuses. During the process of registration, you will be inquired to confirm that you understand, agree and comply to do business under the terms provided by the NDIS. This makes you legally responsible for both the NDIS scheme and all potential clients in the future.

1. Meet the quality and safeguard requirements

The quality and safeguard requirements, which you do need to meet, vary greatly between the states and territories you intend to operate in. The NDIS Commission is an independent body that oversees and regulates the NDIS market and is replacing the quality and safeguards overseers that are currently on duty. The Provider Registration Guide to Suitability for Western Australia has all the requirements that must be met clearly outlined. For those looking for registration in multiple territories, make sure you meet the requirements that are needed in each of those states.

The sooner you cover all of the requirements, the sooner you will be able to successfully apply for registration with the NDIS Commission. It can take some time, so do not waste it, do your research, prepare and make your move today.

Neil is a student of web design who enjoys writing a great content. His home is the whole world because he travels a lot. While you are reading this he is probably somewhere other than where he was yesterday.