Insider's Guide: Pros and Cons of Registered and Unregistered NDIS Providers

When it comes to choosing an NDIS provider, participants have the option to go with a registered or unregistered provider. But what exactly does that mean, and how does it affect the level of support and services you receive? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the pros and cons of both registered and unregistered NDIS providers to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Differences: Registered vs Unregistered NDIS Providers

Before diving into the pros and cons, it's important to understand the difference between registered and unregistered NDIS providers. Registered providers have demonstrated to an independent third-party auditor that they have met the standards set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and are therefor listed on the NDIS Provider Register. These providers are expected to meet standards such as compliance with relevant laws, policies, and procedures, staff screening, and maintaining accurate and detailed records. Furthermore, they are subject to ongoing regular audits and reviews to ensure they continue to meet these standards.

On the other hand, unregistered providers are not subject to the same level of oversight set by the Commission. An example of an unregistered provider could be a family member or friend working under an ABN who is providing support and assistance to an NDIS participant in their daily life, such as assistance with household chores, personal care, or transportation. Although they may not be registered, they may still offer valuable support to the participant particularly to those participants living in rural and remote areas, or participants who require a specialist skill-set or have a very particular set of needs.

Pros and Cons of Choosing a Registered NDIS Provider

As we've already mentioned, opting for a registered NDIS provider brings the assurance that they have met certain standards and are regularly audited and reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet these standards. This not only ensures that participants receive a high level of support and services that are competent and safe, but also ensures that heir rights and interests are protected. For instance, by choosing a registered NDIS provider, as well as being certain that that the support worker has undergone the necessary background checks, has proper ongoing training, support, and that the provider has the appropriate level of insurance, participants can be sure that the provider is operating at all levels of the organization in a way that each participant can access supports that promote, uphold and respect their legal and human rights, and that each participant is enabled to exercise informed choice and control and that the supports provided promote, uphold and respect individual rights of freedom of expression, self-determination, and decision-making.

Registered NDIS providers are also required to keep detailed records of the services and supports provided to participants. This can be beneficial for participants who need to provide evidence of the supports they received to demonstrate that these supports were reasonable and necessary. Additionally, registered providers are required to have robust complaint-handling procedures in place, giving participants a way to raise concerns or complaints if they are not satisfied with the services they receive and guarantees that these complaints are dealt with in a proper and timely manner. This also serves as an opportunity for registered providers to pursue continuous improvement by considering complaints and feedback from participants. By taking complaints and feedback seriously, registered providers can identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes to ensure the highest level of support and services for participants.

One of the cons of choosing a registered NDIS provider is that they may be more expensive than unregistered providers. This is because of the additional administration and apparatus in place that enables these providers to continually meet the Commissions standards and are subject to regular audits and reviews, which can be costly. Additionally, registered providers are required to have mechanisms in place to keep, manage and report on detailed support records, which can also add to the cost. These records include thorough risk assessments and tailored support plans to ensure that the delivery of supports is conducted in a safe and competent manner and important information regarding the participants needs can be shared with other health professionals, with the participants consent, if the need ever arises. However, it's important to keep in mind that the added cost may be worth it for the added protection and peace of mind that comes with choosing a registered provider.

Pros and Cons of Choosing an Unregistered NDIS Provider

While choosing an unregistered provider may come with some added risks, it also has its own set of benefits. One of the pros of choosing an unregistered provider is that they may have more flexibility in terms of the types of services they can offer and how they deliver them. For example, a family member or friend who is providing support and assistance to an NDIS participant may have a better understanding of the participant's needs and preferences and may be able to provide a more personalized and tailored approach to service delivery.

Additionally, these providers may offer more flexibility in how they provide services and supports to NDIS participants compared to registered providers. Because they are not subject to the same level of oversight and standards set by the Commission, unregistered providers may have more autonomy in how they operate and deliver services. For example, a family member or friend who is providing support and assistance to an NDIS participant may have more flexibility in terms of how they deliver the services. They may also be more flexible and responsive to the needs of the participant, making adjustments on short notice if the participant's needs change as they may not be operating in accordance with the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award.

On the other hand, choosing an unregistered provider may come with some added risks. Since they are not subject to the same standards and oversight, there is no guarantee that they will provide a high level of support and services. It's important to note that while unregistered providers are still required to have insurance coverage, the burden may fall on the participant to ensure that suitable insurancance coverage is in place.

Unregistered NDIS providers may not be required to keep detailed records or have formal complaint-handling procedures in place, compared to registered providers. This can potentially leave NDIS participants with limited options for addressing any concerns or complaints they may have about the services received from an unregistered provider. However, it's important to note that unregistered providers may still have their own ways of handling complaints and addressing participant concerns, even though they are not required to do so. Additionally, participants can still report concerns or complaints to the Commission who will take appropriate action in response.

In Summary

Choosing between a registered and unregistered NDIS provider is a personal decision that depends on a wide range of factors including your individual needs, preferences, location, and budget. Registered providers offer the peace of mind of knowing that they have met certain standards and are regularly audited and reviewed, while unregistered providers may offer more flexibility and affordability. Although unregistered providers may not be subject to the same level of oversight as registered providers, they are still required to adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct, NDIS Act, NDIS Rules and any other relevant laws and regulations. NDIS Practice Alerts provide guidance on how to meet these standards and regulations, and it is expected that unregistered providers will also follow this guidance to ensure they provide safe, high-quality supports and services to NDIS participants. Ultimately, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and conduct thorough research to ensure that you make the best decision for yourself or your loved one.