People have many misconceptions about unregistered NDIS providers. Some even consider it undesired. However, an unregistered service provider is only some of what you think.
A service provider may or may not register with NDIS for many reasons. One of them is the expenditure and time it takes to get registered.
Are you thinking about hiring an unregistered NDIS provider? You can, but you must consider a lot of things, from your NDIS Plan Management to your specific needs.
Here are some pros and cons to consider before making your decision.
Distinction Between Registered and Non-registered Providers
The primary distinction between a registered NDIS provider and an unregistered one is its registration with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). According to NDIA, the registered providers need to satisfy specific standards of quality, expertise, qualifications, or competency.
On the other hand, the unregistered organisations need not follow the standards set by NDIA. However, they may do so voluntarily.
One more essential thing to remember is that your NDIS plan management decides which service provider you can have.
- Plan management – You can use registered or unregistered providers.
- Self-managed – You can hire either registered or unregistered providers
- Combination plan – You can use registered or non-registered providers for the portion of your plan that is self-managed or plan-managed
- Agency-managed – You can only use NDIS-registered providers.
Pros
1. Can Work Directly with the Provider
Some participants choose to deal directly with their provider rather than the NDIA because it makes it simpler to establish a rapport with them. You will even be able to pay them directly instead of through NDIS plan managers. So, hiring an unregistered provider can be helpful for people who expect such direct dealings.
2. Offers Varied Ranges of Pricing
With unregistered providers, you will get more flexible pricing options—less, more, and the same as registered providers.
You can negotiate a service agreement with every potential provider—registered and unregistered—so you know precisely how much they charge and can ensure the amount fits your budget.
Also, remember to ask about any additional fees that may apply, such as termination or travel expenses.
3. Flexibility in Changing the Plan
You can also hold off until the following Plan Review meeting. But you can also change how your NDIS plan is managed by requesting your Local Area Coordinator or the NDIS for a light-touch review.
4. Unregistered Provider Obligations
It’s a common misbelief that unregistered providers need not adhere to any standards so they can be mediocre. That is not entirely true! They still need to maintain some things to prove their credibility.
The Australian government imposes stringent obligations on all unregistered providers to promote accountability and ethical behaviour. They must comply with the NDIS code of conduct, which outlines strict guidelines. And they must also have methods to efficiently resolve complaints before approaching the NDIS commission.
Worker screening is also crucial to them since it shows that their team is knowledgeable about NDIS regulations. Each employee provides documentation of NDIS Worker Screening clearance to meet all transitional and special arrangement criteria of the state.
So, they also have rules that keep them responsible. You can rest assured!
Cons
1. Cannot Work with NDIA-managed Participants
Unregistered service providers are those who have either chosen not to register with the NDIS or may not have gotten approval yet. As a result, unregistered NDIS providers have no accountability to the NDIA. It also means they can not work with NDIA-managed participants.
2. No Audit
An investigation may be conducted in response to a complaint or a scheduled review. In both situations, an audit won’t start until the NDIA has enough information to take action against unregistered NDIS providers.
In a nutshell, NDIA may not audit and cannot investigate an unregistered provider.
3. Some Supports are Barred
There are situations when it is acceptable not to register, particularly if you work in support categories that NDIA fully allows.
It implies that some supports are barred by NDIA, such as:
- Specialist disability accommodations
- Supports or services where the use of a regulated restrictive practice is needed or likely to be essential
- Specialist behaviour supports, such as conducting a participant’s behaviour support assessment or creating a participant-specific behaviour support plan.
4. Chance of Low-Quality Services
Because unregistered providers do not fall under the NDIS registry, they do not have any obligation to meet the standards set by NDIS. This can lead some providers to offer low-quality services to clients.
Not necessarily, but it is a possibility. So, it is best to take proper care and research a particular provider before signing up. To get more information, you can also search for online reviews and make a decision.
Conclusion
There are pros and cons to using an unregistered NDIS provider. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether the benefits outweigh the risks. If you do decide to use an unregistered service provider, make sure you do your research to find someone you can trust.
Some people do not hire unregistered providers even if they like them. That is a mistake! When it comes to NDIS, you should look for someone that you trust; registered or unregistered comes later.
So, if you like an unregistered service provider, you don’t have to hold back. They can be as good as any registered provider! And the best start would be considering your NDIS plan management.
