Registering as an NDIS service provider can be a rewarding journey filled with business opportunities and the chance to have a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.  

With the government considering introducing mandatory registration for Supported Independent Living (SIL) Support Coordination and Platform Providers, now might be a good time to consider getting registered. 

In this article, we help you decide whether registration is right for your business, how to register as an NDIS service provider, and what being part of the scheme involves. 

Understanding the NDIS 

Before delving into the registration process, it's worth taking a moment to understand the role and purpose of the NDIS. The NDIS funds essential supports and services for individuals with a permanent and significant disability, and service providers play a key role in delivering these services.  Supports range from capacity-building services like therapy and exercise physiology, through to daily living assistance and social inclusion supports. 

Do you need to be a registered NDIS provider? 

While the short answer is no, the government is considering introducing mandatory registration for SIL, Support Coordination and Platform Providers. Most providers don’t need to be NDIS registered, as participants can choose to use unregistered providers if they self-manage their plans or have a plan manager. However, becoming a registered NDIS provider may increase your opportunities and allow you to reach participants who have their funds managed by the NDIA. 

Is registering right for your business? 

Choosing to be a ‘registered’ or ‘unregistered’ service provider comes down to your individual business and capabilities. To be a registered NDIS provider, there are a few processes to follow, regulations and standards to upkeep, and qualifications you need to get. All these things take time and effort and may not be feasible for you or your business. 

When making your decision whether to register, you may like to consider the following questions:  

  • Does my service meet a need within the NDIS framework? (Feel free to use Plan Partners’ Price Guide Navigator to search for your products and services and check they are included in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements).
  • Can I maintain high standards of quality and safety? (Quality standards for registered NDIS providers are set by The NDIS Practice Standards and NDIS Code of Conduct).
  • Is my business plan robust and flexible enough to adapt to NDIS regulations and client needs? (The NDIA regularly updates and introduces new regulations. And the needs of NDIS participants can change and evolve over time). 

How to register as an NDIS provider 

If you decide that registering as an NDIS provider is the right step for your business, there are a few things you need to do. 

1. Create a business plan

Having a business plan will not only prepare you for success, it’s also a critical part of the registration process. A business plan serves as a roadmap, keeping you aligned with sales targets and ensuring you provide and continue to provide a high-quality service to your clients.  

In your business plan, it’s a good idea to outline: 

    • Your objectives
    • The services you intend to provide
    • Who you will be providing them to
    • How you plan to manage and sustain your operations both financially and logistically 
    • It’s also worth including strategies for quality control and marketing. How will you win new clients and how will you engage and retain existing clients? 

2.  Familiarise yourself with NDIS standards 

You can prepare your business to meet NDIS standards by downloading the NDIS Commission’s Provider Information Pack. Opt to view the whole pack in full or via individual booklets to get the key information you need to start providing supports and services.  3. Complete the application 
  If it’s your first time registering with the NDIS Commission, you’ll need to start by creating fa PRODA account (an online identity verification and authentication system).  Once you’ve done this, you can log into the NDIS Commission Portal and follow the steps to apply for registration.  Then simply log into the NDIS Commission Portal and follow the steps to apply for registration.   

4. Undergo an audit 

For some service categories, you have to do a self-assessment and pass an audit by a NDIS-approved auditor to ensure you meet the NDIS Practice Standards. 

5. Wait for your application outcome

After you’ve submitted all your application materials to the NDIS Commission, it may take as long as six to twelve months to receive a response. If you’re successful, you’ll receive a certificate of registration detailing the services or supports you’re authorised to provide, the registration duration, and any conditions you must meet to maintain your registration. If you’re unsuccessful, it’s not necessarily the end of the road. You can contact the NDIS Commission to request a review of the decision within three months. If you’re not happy with the outcome after the review, you have the option to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for further review. 

6.  Continue to improve the quality of your products and services

The NDIS Commission offers guidance and resources to help registered providers continue to fulfill their obligations under the NDIS Act and Rules. Detailed information about Quality and Safeguards Requirements is available in the NDIS legislation, rules and policies. 

Give your customers the best of the NDIS with Plan Partners by your side  

If you need support along the way, Plan Partners are one of Australia’s leading providers of plan management and support coordination. We work with you to help your customers achieve important life goals through their NDIS plans.  

Have your NDIS invoices paid faster, stay informed about the latest NDIS updates, and get the tools and resources to better support your customers. 

Find out more on our Provider website.