Red tape slashed for small businesses looking to work with the NDIS

In a big win for small businesses seeking to deliver disability services the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Stuart Robert, today announced changes to the NDIS Provider Registration Rules to simplify registration, all whilst not reducing safeguards for NDIS participants.

The changes, made in response to feedback from across the disability sector, will address the disproportionate regulatory burden on some NDIS providers, particularly small businesses delivering lower risk supports such as therapies, home modifications and specialist equipment. 

Currently, the Rules push all providers that are body corporate into a certification audit process, irrespective of the types of supports delivered. This has the effect of placing different regulatory requirements on providers delivering lower risk supports, based on whether they are incorporated or not. 

From 1 January 2020 there will no longer be a need for all incorporated providers to undertake a certification audit based solely on the fact on whether or not they are incorporated. Instead, audit requirements will be based solely on the level of risk associated with the supports provided to participants.

Minister Robert said the change would streamline the registration process for the many small businesses seeking to become NDIS providers, whilst not reducing the responsibilities of registered providers or the full range of compliance and enforcement actions the NDIS Commission can take to safeguard people with disability.

‘The rule changes announced today are a win for the vast majority of NDIS providers that are small businesses, such as speech pathologists, occupational therapists and assistive technology providers.’  

‘As we deliver the final 20 per cent of the NDIS, we will continue to listen to participants, industry and advocates and prudently make changes to ensure the NDIS is functioning as it should.’

‘I know this is a welcome change which will ensure more businesses can continue to provide much needed support for NDIS participants right across the country.’

For more information visit www.ndiscommission.gov.au.