When you are looking for the most comprehensive care and support for a loved one, ensuring that the provider is able to deliver what you expect from them and more, is incredibly straightforward, but there can be a whole number of concerns when you are either looking for someone to help you care for a loved one or take over the care entirely. NDIS service providers are organisations that deliver NDIS-funded support to participants and play an essential role for anybody taking part in the NDIS scheme to achieve their goals.
Service providers need to offer a wide range of services that cater to the preferences and life requirements of an individual, and this means that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, especially when it comes to the service provider. They will vary in size and type, and this is why the NDIS exists.
What is the NDIS?
The NDIS, or National Disability Insurance Scheme, is a government-funded program that provides support to individuals with disabilities and aims to empower those people to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life by offering funding for various supports and services tailored to their specific needs.
The NDIS operates on the principle of choice and control, allowing participants to select service providers, manage their funding, and access a wide range of disability-related supports like transportation, household services, therapies, personal care, and so much more. The NDIS provides a whole heap of benefits to people with disabilities or extra needs, including:
- Increased independence.
- Providing goal-oriented support, for example, pursuing personal aspirations that can aid their growth.
- NDIS funding can be used to address a variety of physical health needs, mental health, and emotional well-being through speech pathology, physiotherapy, nutritionists, counselling, and a whole heap of other services.
- Offers support for families and caregivers.
While NDIS-registered providers can offer so much support, there are many care providers who are not officially registered as part of the NDIS. Unregistered NDIS providers are companies that offer services and support to NDIS participants without being registered with the NDIS Commission. It’s important to note that registration is not essential, but it can provide peace of mind to participants. Let’s show you everything you need to know about unregistered NDIS providers.
What Are the Signs of an Unregistered NDIS Provider?
When anybody is looking for care and support for their loved ones or themselves, there can be a few telltale signs that a provider is not registered with the NDIS:
- They do not appear on the official NDIS provider lists as they have chosen not to complete the NDIS approval process.
- Unregistered providers do not have to adhere to the quality and safeguard commitments of the NDIS Commission. For example, these can include conducting audits to demonstrate compliance with these standards and therefore will display a very limited oversight in terms of the care quality framework.
- Unregistered providers working with self-managing participants are free to set their own prices, and this may result in participants and loved ones needing to pay costs above the NDIS set rates out of their own pocket.
- There may be more paperwork for people self-managing their NDIS funding via unregistered providers as these care providers may send invoices directly to the person requiring a manual claiming back through the NDIS portal, resulting in more life admin.
- Additionally, while unregistered providers can still offer valid services, there may be concerns about the overall quality assurance and oversight in comparison to registered providers who have undergone a rigorous registration process.
The Risks and Consequences of Using Unregistered NDIS Providers
There are people who use unregistered NDIS providers; however, it is so important to exercise due diligence and caution if you ever consider venturing down this route. Unregistered providers will come with many risks because of the potential lack of compliance. Some of the key concerns with unregistered NDIS providers include the following:
- An increased risk of abuse and neglect, which certainly may be the worst-case scenario. It is still vital to understand that poorer compliance can mean an increase in the risk of neglect as documented by The Disability Royal Commission.
- Unregistered providers do not have to stick to the same stringent safeguards as registered providers, which can mean it is easier for potential issues to go unnoticed. A lack of safeguards would be a major cause for concern, especially when it comes to preserving the rights and dignity of anybody who is in need of quality care.
- There is also the potential for an unclear complaint process because if you are unable to voice your concerns about a distinct lack of care or support, unregistered providers may be reticent to resolve issues, which can leave the person in care with incredibly unsatisfactory outcomes.
- Unregistered providers may also not be as accountable for their actions, which makes it challenging to address any issues or complaints effectively.
How to Identify Unregistered NDIS Providers
While it can be difficult to identify unregistered NDIS providers, the best approach is to inquire if they display a registered provider logo. Any excellent care provider will display one, and if you are unsure about the provider’s registration status, you can always directly contact them via phone or email to inquire about their registration status.
It is not in their best interests to play with the truth, and if a care company lies about their registered NDIS status, it can result in serious consequences:
- Misrepresenting an NDIS registration status violates regulations and standards set by the NDIS Commission, meaning they will get potential penalties, fines, or even legal proceedings against them.
- False claims about registration status can invariably compromise their ability to deliver care to individuals with disabilities and additional needs. Registered providers are held to very high standards and requirements to ensure the safety and well-being of the participants, which puts those individuals at risk.
- Lying about NDIS registration status also undermines the trust between the care company and any NDIS participants. Trust is undoubtedly essential when it comes to the relationship between the carer and the individual receiving the care. Dishonesty is something that will damage this trust, perhaps irreversibly, affecting the overall support and the services received by the participants.
- What’s more, falsely claiming NDIS registration status can raise a variety of ethical concerns relating to accountability, integrity, and transparency in providing disability services. It is something that goes against the principles of honesty and professionalism that should not just be a bare minimum in the care industry, but it should be adhered to in every possible way.
What to Do if You Suspect an Unregistered NDIS Provider
If you suspect a provider is unregistered or you encounter issues with an unregistered provider, you can make a complaint directly to the NDIS Commission or the provider if there are any concerns about the quality or safety of support and attempt to solve any issues directly with the provider before escalating the matter further. If necessary, you can involve the relevant authority, such as the Disability Services Commissioner (DSC).
The Consequences of Not Reporting an Unregistered NDIS Provider
Failing to report an unregistered NDIS provider will naturally lead to various negative outcomes:
- Not reporting unregistered providers can put NDIS participants at risk of receiving lower-quality services or facing potential safety concerns because of a lack of compliance and oversight.
- Allowing unregistered providers to keep operating without being taken to task can mean ongoing non-compliance within the NDIS system, potentially leading to ongoing issues relating to service quality and, of course, the safety of the participants.
- Failing to report unregistered providers may have legal implications, especially if participants experience harm or if there are breaches of regulations that could have been prevented through reporting this.
For many people, the goal is simple: to ensure that their loved ones receive the best possible care. It is therefore essential to ensure that you conduct all of your due diligence and research upfront to verify if an NDIS provider is registered.
Are There Times When You Should Use Unregistered NDIS Providers?
While it is essential to avoid unregistered NDIS providers and choose NDIS service providers who are officially registered, there can be some circumstances where using them may be an option. However, it is so important to carefully consider all of the pros and cons, and where possible, use an NDIS service provider that is officially registered because this will guarantee a higher level of service to the participant. Some circumstances where it may be considered include:
- The overall costs. If they are a more affordable option for participants looking to maximise their funding and access services within their budget, this could be a more viable solution.
- In situations where there is a lack of registered providers or long waiting lists for services, unregistered providers can be an available option to access necessary support right away, especially in locations that have very limited service options.
- Using unregistered providers can, at times, provide NDIS participants with more choice and control over the services that they can get. If they can select providers that align more closely with their preferences and needs, this can result in a better outcome, albeit very rarely.
- Unregistered providers may also offer more flexibility in their service delivery, depending on what the care provider can do for the individual.
How to Keep Yourself Safe From Unregistered NDIS Providers
If you are looking to steer clear of unregistered NDIS providers, there are several key steps and safeguards that you can incorporate:
Understand Your Rights
When engaging with NDIS providers, you have specific rights to ensure your overall well-being, quality of services, and safety:
- You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect by NDIS service providers and workers, ensuring your individual rights are upheld which includes decision-making, self-determination, and freedom of expression.
- NDIS participants have the right to receive safe and competent services from the providers they pick. Every provider needs to deliver support in a way that respects the individual’s privacy, acts with transparency, integrity, and honesty, and takes steps to prevent all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence.
- Individuals have the right to exercise choice and control in the support services they receive under the banner of the NDIS. This empowers anyone accessing these services to make informed decisions about the providers and the support that we get.
Speak Up if You Feel Unsafe or Unhappy
If anybody ever feels like this with the services, we should never hesitate to speak up. Addressing these issues can improve services for everybody, not just ourselves. We have a right to complaints management, and if we ever have concerns about how an NDIS service provider is operating, we can raise complaints, as both registered and unregistered providers are obliged to effectively manage complaints related to the services they offer.
If you are engaging with unregistered providers as an NDIS participant, you have the right to request that workers undergo what is called an NDIS Worker Screening Check. This is a mandatory screening strategy for individuals working in risk-assessor roles for registered NDIS providers and is crucial to maintain the quality and safety of services provided to all NDIS participants, ensuring that the workers meet the necessary requirements and do not pose a risk to those they support.
You can go to the NDIS Check website, complete the application form, and authenticate your identity and pay the application fee. Registered NDIS providers need to verify their workers’ applications and view the result once received from the NDIS Worker Screening Unit. You can also access the NDIS Worker Screening Database without needing to contact individual states or territory units, but you need to apply to access this database through the NDIS Commission.
Make the Most of Complaint Mechanisms
We’ve spoken a lot about how it’s vital to complain to an unregistered provider if we’re unhappy about the level of service they provide by contacting the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. By being informed about your rights and having the ability to speak up, you can make sure that you are able to protect yourself if you ever end up dealing with unregistered NDIS providers.
We’ve provided a comprehensive approach to how to keep yourself safe. However, it’s important to point out that unregistered NDIS providers do have specific obligations and responsibilities to ensure the quality and safety of the services they offer, such as the NDIS Code of Conduct, to ensure ethical and professional behaviour. They must also address complaints promptly and fairly and have the option to request workers undergo an NDIS Worker Screening Check or demonstrate alternative checks that meet the necessary requirements to ensure the safety of workers engaging with people with extra care needs. However, the best approach is to choose NDIS service providers.
Why Should We Use Registered NDIS Providers?
As we’ve seen, using an unregistered NDIS provider can result in a number of issues that can be hard to rectify. There can be detrimental impacts on the quality of care the individual is receiving, which can be damaging to their rights and dignity. There are so many reasons why choosing registered NDIS service providers can help everybody in this situation:
High Quality and Safety Standards
Registered NDIS providers must meet strict quality and safety standards set out by the NDIS Commission. It is vital that participants always receive reliable and professional care. Every provider will undergo strict measurements against the NDIS practice standards, but they must also adhere to the NDIS code of conduct, which includes:
- Respect for individual rights and diversity.
- Deliver support and services in a safe and competent manner with care and skill.
- Take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence.
- Workers must properly raise and act on concerns about matters that may impact the quality and safety of support and services provided to people with disabilities.
- Upholding confidentiality and privacy to maintain trust and safeguard sensitive information.
- Resolving conflicts in a professional manner while also upholding the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities.
Operating with Professionalism and Expertise
Registered NDIS service providers employ experienced professionals who have a great understanding of the complexities of the NDIS system. Because the NDIS system is so multifaceted and encompasses a number of different strands like service delivery, support coordination, and plan management, having individuals with a high level of expertise will contribute to effective collaboration to help participants make informed decisions and achieve what they truly desire.
NDIS Service Providers Have Access to Funds
Registered providers have access to NDIS funding, which ensures that individuals can receive the necessary support and services outlined in their plans without red tape or financial barriers that can come with unregistered service providers.
Continuity in Their Services
Registered providers can also offer greater continuity of care because they can support people throughout their NDIS journey, which is critical because this sense of consistency ensures that individuals receive ongoing support from familiar people who understand their needs and goals.
They Demonstrate Compliance and Accountability
Arguably the most important part of choosing NDIS service providers who practise what they preach is that they will stick rigidly to compliance. NDIS service providers are held to the greatest standards of compliance and undergo regular audits to ensure they are delivering continuity in their care and this sense of accountability provides far better quality in terms of the services they deliver.
If you are looking for a company that delivers on every level, being registered with the NDIS means that they’re not just sticking to a handful of rules, but they are actively striving to be better service providers. You will see this in how they report back to the NDIS Commission on specific issues or train staff in updated standards. These are things that we don’t see when we are looking for an NDIS service provider because we shouldn’t have to feel like they are following the rules. By them demonstrating strict compliance and accountability that focuses on person-centred care and is transparent in how they engage with individuals receiving the care as well as family members or anyone else involved, we should feel that piece of mind that is so important.
If you are looking for a care provider for a loved one, you don’t want to be anxious that the individual is having their rights removed bit by bit. Transparency in their services is undoubtedly the most important factor when you are looking for a registered service provider.
NDIS Service Providers: Key to Peace Of Mind
Understanding what registered providers can and cannot do is vital to choosing the appropriate level of care. We can always verify if an NDIS provider is registered by checking the NDIS Commission’s Public Registry, so we can guarantee they meet the necessary standards for service delivery. If we’re unsure, we can contact the NDIS Commission to verify or clarify if a company is compliant with NDIS standards. When we are trying to keep ourselves safe from unregistered NDIS providers, the goal is very simple: to achieve peace of mind.
As you can see, there’s a myriad of things to bear in mind when we do not conduct strict due diligence at the outset of our or our loved ones’ journey. It may be to the detriment of being able to get the best possible care. NDIS service providers are there to give us, whether we are the person looking for care or a loved one looking for care for someone else, peace of mind so that we can always get what we deserve.
When we choose NDIS service providers who are transparent, rigorous in their standards, and deliver the best possible service, we can almost guarantee that they are registered NDIS providers. We’ve seen how we can check if a provider is not, and what we can do about it if we encounter any concerns. The best solution is, very simply, when you are looking for the care and support that will give you your right to peace of mind, equality, and dignity, you start by looking for NDIS service providers who are registered.
