What are the NDIS Practice Standards?
The NDIS Practice Standards are the standards against which NDIS providers are audited, with different ‘Modules’ to encompass the variety of services provided. The Standards reflect the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework, and the laws with which providers must comply.
The NDIS Practice Standards are the basis of provider self-assessments and audits. The Standards express the NDIS objectives as ‘outcomes’; providers are responsible for how those outcomes are achieved. Note, however, that the Standards rarely mention specific laws or regulations. And, apart from mentioning Quality Management, they don’t stipulate specific techniques for managing compliance. For example, the Standards simply state:
“A quality management system is maintained that is relevant and proportionate to the size and scale of the provider and the scope and complexity of the supports delivered. The system defines how to meet the requirements of legislation and these standards. The system is reviewed and updated as required to improve support delivery.”
Although providers are responsible for determining what that Quality Management System looks like, the community sector has developed techniques for managing Quality. Auditors expect to see these conventions used. So it’s important to understand what a Quality System is, and how it works. PQplus can help.
Why do I need an audit?
If your organisation provides supports to participants whose funding is managed by the NDIA, it must be registered and undergo audits. Audits ensure that services are delivered safely and consistently across Australia, and that’s why audits are conducted by ‘Approved Quality Auditors’. Audits help providers to plan more effectively, and compete in the NDIS marketplace. They evaluate services and encourage the collection of data that providers can use to promote better services and organisational growth. If it’s mandatory, why not make the best of it?
What type of audit do I need?
There are two types of NDIS audit: ‘Certification’ audits and ‘Verification’ audits. The type of audit required depends on the supports (registration groups) provided. Verification Audits currently apply to providers delivering low-risk supports (listed below); Certification Audits apply to all other providers.
What are NDIS Verification Audits?
Verification Audits are conducted off-site. The auditors review policies and other organisational documentation, provide a report and then make their recommendation to the NDIS Commission.
What are NDIS Certification Audits?
Certification Audits are conducted in two stages, and are a lot larger (and more expensive) than the Verification audit.
Stage 1: Document review — the auditors will review your policies, and may ask for examples of how you’ve implemented your policies. You will receive a report at the end of Stage 1 that will identify any Areas of Concern, which the auditor will examine more closely in Stage 2.
Stage 2: This is an onsite visit from the auditors to review your documentation (again) and examine issues that were noted as Areas of Concern in Stage 1. They will also review staff files and participant files.
Interviews: Auditors interview staff and participants to confirm that policies are understood and put into practice. Participants’ involvement in the NDIS audits are on an ‘opt-out’ basis. You must ask your participants whether they want to be involved. If they don’t, always document the reason why. Document everything!
Audit Report: At the end of Stage 2, you will get a report. Non-conformances will be highlighted in the report. The auditors will require you to create a ‘Corrective Action Plan’ detailing how will you fix the problems identified.
What are Low Risk NDIS Supports?
LOW RISK NDIS SUPPORTS:
- Accommodation/Tenancy Assistance
- Assistive Products for Personal Care and Safety
- Personal Mobility Equipment
- Assistance with Travel/Transport Arrangements
- Vehicle Modifications
- Home Modification Design and Construction
- Assistive Equipment for Recreation
- Vision Equipment
- Community Nursing Care
- Innovative Community Participation
- Specialised Hearing Services
- Household Tasks
- Interpreting and Translation
- Hearing Equipment
- Assistive Products in Household Tasks
- Communication and Information Equipment
- Management of Funding for Supports — Plan Management
- Therapeutic Supports
- Specialised Driver Training
- Assistance Animals
- Hearing Services
- Custom Prostheses and Orthoses
- Exercise Physiology and Personal Well-being Activities
What are High Risk NDIS Supports?
HIGH RISK NDIS SUPPORTS:
- Assistance to Access and Maintain Employment or Higher Education [Assist Access/Maintain Employ]
- High Intensity Daily Personal Activities
- Assistance in Coordinating or Managing Life Stages, Transitions and Supports [Life Stage, Transition]
- Daily Personal Activities
- Specialist Positive Behaviour Support
- Assistance with Daily Life Tasks in a Group or Shared Living Arrangement [Daily Tasks/Shared Living]
- Development of Daily Living and Life Skills [Development-Life Skills]
- Early Intervention Supports for Early Childhood
- Participation in Community, Social, and Civil Activities [Participate Community]
- Specialist Disability Accomodation [Specialist Accom]
- Support Coordination
- Specialised Supported Employment
- Group and Centre-Based Activities [Group/Centre Activities]
How much does an NDIS audit cost?
The Approved Quality Auditor you choose will provide a quote for the audit based on the ‘Scope of Audit’ letter you received from the NDIS Commission in response to your application/renewal application.
Prices vary depending on the registration groups (services and supports) delivered, the number of staff, number of participants you currently provide services to, and the number of sites from which you deliver services. Prices also vary between auditing bodies. So it’s worth obtaining a few quotes.
What happens if I fail the audit?
NDIS audits are not pass or fail situations. ‘Major non-conformances’ must be fixed within three months of your audit. Any ‘Minor non-conformances’ must be addressed within 12 months of your audit.
You’ll be asked to formulate a Corrective Action Plan to rectify non-conformances. If you’re unable to address the issues, or the auditors’ recommendation to the NDIS Commission is not to approve certification or verification, the auditors will discuss this with you and the implications for your registration.
Can we get help with NDIS audits?
Yes you can. NDIS providers are permitted to receive help in preparing for and conducting their audits. It’s great to have an expert on side. Professional preparation means less stress and fewer non-conformances.
PQplus helps providers prepare for and conduct audits. We’ve helped large and small organisations. We can check your policies, conduct internal audits or assist on-site during a Stage 2 Certification Audit. Better still, we believe in passing on the skills. We work with you, explaining the processes and coaching staff so you’ll be better equipped for the next audit cycle. We’ve also developed resources and training to help you manage audits with confidence.
Your auditors will help a lot, but there’s a limit to what they can do. They cannot advise the clients they audit. It would be a conflict of interest. We have close relationships with auditing companies and they trust us to help providers solve problems revealed at audit. In truth, we would rather help you prepare than repair.