Australia NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators

Core module: governance and operational management 53

• core-10.1Risk management: organisational and participant risks identified and treated
• core-10.2Risk management: documented, proportionate risk management system
• core-10.3Risk management: system covers the eight required areas
• core-10.4Risk management: infection and outbreak prevention and control
• core-10.5Risk management: supports delivered consistently with the risk system
• core-10.6Risk management: appropriate insurance held
• core-11.1Quality management: proportionate quality system maintained and reviewed
• core-11.2Quality management: documented internal audit program
• core-11.3Quality management: continuous improvement from data and feedback
• core-12.1Information management: informed consent to collect, use and disclose information
• core-12.2Information management: participants told about storage, access, correction and withdrawal
• core-12.3Information management: proportionate system recording accurate, timely information
• core-12.4Information management: secure handling through to retention and destruction
• core-13.1Complaints: proportionate, fair system complying with the complaints rules
• core-13.2Complaints: participants told how to complain, including externally, without fear
• core-13.3Complaints: continuous improvement in complaints and feedback management
• core-13.4Complaints: workers aware, trained and compliant
• core-14.1Incident management: proportionate system complying with the incident rules
• core-14.2Incident management: participants told about incident management and outcomes
• core-14.3Incident management: continuous improvement from incident review
• core-14.4Incident management: workers aware, trained and compliant
• core-15.1Human resources: skills, responsibilities and limits of each position documented
• core-15.10Human resources: worker contact and secondary employment details kept current
• core-15.2Human resources: pre-employment checks, qualifications and experience recorded
• core-15.3Human resources: orientation and induction including the NDIS worker orientation module
• core-15.4Human resources: training system identifying mandatory training and NDIS obligations
• core-15.5Human resources: timely supervision, support and resources
• core-15.6Human resources: worker performance managed and developed
• core-15.7Human resources: workers with emergency response capabilities identified
• core-15.8Human resources: plans to source and induct workforce during disruption
• core-15.9Human resources: infection prevention and control training with refreshers
• core-16.1Continuity of supports: day-to-day operations managed to avoid disruption
• core-16.2Continuity of supports: suitable cover for absences and vacancies
• core-16.3Continuity of supports: needs and preferences documented and given to workers first
• core-16.4Continuity of supports: arrangements for uninterrupted support across the agreement
• core-16.5Continuity of supports: alternative arrangements explained, agreed and suitable
• core-16a.1Emergency and disaster: continuity of critical supports before, during and after
• core-16a.2Emergency and disaster: planning covers preparation, changes, adaptation and communication
• core-16a.3Emergency and disaster: governing body develops plans with participant consultation
• core-16a.4Emergency and disaster: plans guide the governing body's response and oversight
• core-16a.5Emergency and disaster: plans actively tested and adjusted
• core-16a.6Emergency and disaster: periodic review points during an event
• core-16a.7Emergency and disaster: regular plan review with participant consultation
• core-16a.8Emergency and disaster: plans communicated to workers, participants and networks
• core-16a.9Emergency and disaster: each worker trained to implement the plans
• core-9.1Governance: people with disability contribute to governance and policy
• core-9.2Governance: defined structure for legal, financial and safeguarding oversight
• core-9.3Governance: governing body skills identified and gaps trained
• core-9.4Governance: strategic and business planning covers NDIS and risk
• core-9.5Governance: governing body monitors management performance
• core-9.6Governance: suitably qualified management with clear accountability
• core-9.7Governance: documented delegation when a position holder is absent
• core-9.8Governance: conflicts of interest managed and documented

Core module: provision of supports 25

• core-18.1Access to supports: published supports, entry criteria and costs
• core-18.2Access to supports: reasonable adjustments to the support environment
• core-18.3Access to supports: withdrawal of supports and dignity of risk choices
• core-19.1Support planning: assessment and plan developed with the participant
• core-19.2Support planning: regular risk assessment and risk treatment strategies
• core-19.2ASupport planning: risk of reliance on supports and disruption
• core-19.3Support planning: periodic review of risk strategies with the participant
• core-19.4Support planning: annual or earlier plan review and progress assessment
• core-19.5Support planning: updating the plan when progress differs from goals
• core-19.6Support planning: plan given in accessible form and available to workers
• core-19.7Support planning: sharing the plan with the network, providers and agencies
• core-19.8Support planning: preventative health supports in the plan
• core-19.9Support planning: emergency and disaster responses in the plan
• core-20.1Service agreements: developed with the participant, with conditions explained
• core-20.2Service agreements: helping the participant understand the agreement
• core-20.3Service agreements: signed copies or a record of why none was given
• core-20.4Service agreements: SIL in SDA dwellings, documented arrangements
• core-20.5Service agreements: supports to be provided in an emergency or disaster
• core-21.1Responsive supports: least intrusive, evidence-informed practice
• core-21.2Responsive supports: links with health, allied health and other providers
• core-21.3Responsive supports: participant involvement in choosing workers
• core-21.4Responsive supports: trained workers for participants with monitoring needs
• core-22.1Transitions: planned and documented transitions to or from the provider
• core-22.2Transitions: risks identified, including temporary transitions such as hospital
• core-22.3Transitions: documented transition processes reviewed and communicated

Core module: support provision environment 30

• core-24.1Safe environment: participants can identify their workers
• core-24.10Safe environment: PPE training for direct support workers
• core-24.11Safe environment: PPE available to workers and participants who need it
• core-24.2Safe environment: working with participants to make settings safe
• core-24.3Safe environment: working with other providers on risks and needs
• core-24.4Safe environment: communication needs and how health concerns are expressed
• core-24.5Safe environment: medical emergency protocols and trained workers
• core-24.6Safe environment: escalation systems for urgent health situations
• core-24.7Safe environment: standard infection prevention and control precautions
• core-24.8Safe environment: routine cleaning of non-home settings
• core-24.9Safe environment: worker training in hand, respiratory and cough hygiene
• core-25.1Money and property: managed, protected, accounted for and used with consent
• core-25.2Money and property: supporting participants to access and spend their own money
• core-25.3Money and property: no financial advice beyond the participant's plan
• core-26.1Medication: records of medication, dosage and participant identification
• core-26.2Medication: workers understand effects, side-effects and incident steps
• core-26.3Medication: safe, secure, identifiable storage with trained access only
• core-26a.1Mealtime management: identifying participants who need it
• core-26a.2Mealtime management: assessment by qualified practitioners
• core-26a.3Mealtime management: participant involved in assessment and planning
• core-26a.4Mealtime management: workers know needs and choking response
• core-26a.5Mealtime management: training in safe, enjoyable meals and health risks
• core-26a.6Mealtime management: plans available where meals are provided
• core-26a.7Mealtime management: menu planning for nutrition, preference and chronic risks
• core-26a.8Mealtime management: texture-modified food and fluid procedures
• core-26a.9Mealtime management: safe storage and identification of participant meals
• core-27.1Waste: storage, handling and disposal of waste and hazardous substances
• core-27.2Waste: reporting and review of exposure incidents
• core-27.3Waste: emergency plan for clinical waste or hazardous substance accidents
• core-27.4Waste: training in safe handling and protective clothing

Core module: rights and responsibilities 16

• core-3.1Person-centred supports: participant rights built into everyday practice
• core-3.2Person-centred supports: communication in the participant's language and mode
• core-3.3Person-centred supports: links with support network and chosen community
• core-4.1Individual values and beliefs: culture, diversity and beliefs identified
• core-4.2Individual values and beliefs: right to practise culture and beliefs supported
• core-5.1Privacy and dignity: consistent processes protecting privacy and dignity
• core-5.2Privacy and dignity: participants told about confidentiality policies accessibly
• core-5.3Privacy and dignity: agreement on what personal information and recordings are collected
• core-6.1Independence and informed choice: active decision-making with timely accessible information
• core-6.2Independence and informed choice: dignity of risk respected
• core-6.3Independence and informed choice: autonomy, intimacy and sexual expression
• core-6.4Independence and informed choice: time to consider options at every stage
• core-6.5Independence and informed choice: access to an advocate of choice
• core-7.1Freedom from abuse: prevention policies, procedures and practice
• core-7.2Freedom from abuse: advocate information and access after an allegation
• core-7.3Freedom from abuse: allegations acted on, recorded and prevented from recurring

Module 1: High intensity daily personal activities 27

• m1-3.1Complex bowel care: participant-involved plan, practitioner review, escalation
• m1-3.2Complex bowel care: policies, procedures and worker training plan
• m1-3.3Complex bowel care: participant-specific training to the skills descriptor
• m1-4.1Enteral feeding: participant-involved plan, practitioner review, escalation
• m1-4.2Enteral feeding: policies, procedures and worker training plan
• m1-4.3Enteral feeding: participant-specific training to the skills descriptor
• m1-4a.1Severe dysphagia: identifying participants who need it
• m1-4a.2Severe dysphagia: assessment and review by qualified practitioners
• m1-4a.3Severe dysphagia: participant-involved plan with needs, preferences and escalation
• m1-4a.4Severe dysphagia: policies, procedures and worker training plans
• m1-4a.5Severe dysphagia: participant-specific training by an expert practitioner
• m1-5.1Tracheostomy: participant-involved plan, practitioner review, escalation
• m1-5.2Tracheostomy: policies, procedures and worker training plan
• m1-5.3Tracheostomy: participant-specific training to the skills descriptor
• m1-6.1Urinary catheter: participant-involved plan, practitioner review, escalation
• m1-6.2Urinary catheter: policies, procedures and worker training plan
• m1-6.3Urinary catheter: participant-specific training to the skills descriptor
• m1-7.1Ventilator: participant-involved plan, practitioner review, escalation
• m1-7.2Ventilator: policies, procedures and worker training plan
• m1-7.3Ventilator: participant-specific training to the skills descriptor
• m1-8.1Subcutaneous injections: participant-involved plan with dosage calculation
• m1-8.2Subcutaneous injections: written or phone orders from the prescriber
• m1-8.3Subcutaneous injections: policies, procedures and worker training plan
• m1-8.4Subcutaneous injections: participant-specific training and condition knowledge
• m1-9.1Complex wound management: participant-involved plan, practitioner review, escalation
• m1-9.2Complex wound management: policies, procedures and worker training plan
• m1-9.3Complex wound management: training on daily-life impacts and the skills descriptor

Module 2: Specialist behaviour support 36

• m2-3.1Behaviour support in the NDIS (specialist): RPBS Rules understood and applied
• m2-3.2Behaviour support in the NDIS (specialist): practitioners assessed as suitable
• m2-3.3Behaviour support in the NDIS (specialist): practitioner professional development
• m2-3.4Behaviour support in the NDIS (specialist): clinical supervision of practitioners
• m2-3.5Behaviour support in the NDIS (specialist): commitment to reducing restrictive practices
• m2-4.1Restrictive practices (specialist): knowledge of regulated practices and authorisation
• m2-4.2Restrictive practices (specialist): practitioner training on restrictive practices and risk
• m2-4.3Restrictive practices (specialist): discussion of need, risks and alternatives
• m2-4.4Restrictive practices (specialist): stakeholder engagement in proportionate strategies
• m2-4.5Restrictive practices (specialist): plans include practices only as authorised
• m2-4.6Restrictive practices (specialist): plans meet RPBS Rules conditions
• m2-4.7Restrictive practices (specialist): reduction and elimination strategies in plans
• m2-4.8Restrictive practices (specialist): support to implementing providers on reduction
• m2-5.1Assessments and plans (specialist): behaviour support assessment
• m2-5.2Assessments and plans (specialist): plans draw on all relevant information
• m2-5.3Assessments and plans (specialist): evidence-informed plans with proactive strategies
• m2-5.4Assessments and plans (specialist): interface with mainstream services
• m2-5.5Assessments and plans (specialist): plan developed with and given to implementers
• m2-5.6Assessments and plans (specialist): plans with regulated practices lodged with the Commissioner
• m2-6.1Supporting implementation (specialist): authorisation requirements explained to implementers
• m2-6.2Supporting implementation (specialist): rationale understood and instructions provided
• m2-6.3Supporting implementation (specialist): implementers told of reporting requirements
• m2-6.4Supporting implementation (specialist): person-focused training and coaching
• m2-6.5Supporting implementation (specialist): collaborative plan development with implementers
• m2-6.6Supporting implementation (specialist): oversight of restrictive practice training
• m2-6.7Supporting implementation (specialist): ongoing advice to address barriers
• m2-7.1Plan monitoring and review (specialist): evaluating strategy effectiveness
• m2-7.2Plan monitoring and review (specialist): modifying strategies and retraining
• m2-7.3Plan monitoring and review (specialist): pursuing reductions on positive change
• m2-7.4Plan monitoring and review (specialist): notifying the Commissioner of implementation problems
• m2-7.5Plan monitoring and review (specialist): review at least every twelve months
• m2-7.6Plan monitoring and review (specialist): notifying the Commissioner of plan changes
• m2-8.1Reportable restrictive practice incidents (specialist): supporting implementers' response
• m2-8.2Reportable restrictive practice incidents (specialist): inclusive incident review
• m2-9.1Interim behaviour support plans (specialist): risk evaluation and interim plan
• m2-9.2Interim behaviour support plans (specialist): advice on implementing interim plans

Module 2A: Implementing behaviour support plans 36

• m2a-10.1Interim behaviour support plans (implementer): mainstream input to interim plans
• m2a-10.2Interim behaviour support plans (implementer): supporting interim plan development
• m2a-10.3Interim behaviour support plans (implementer): training workers on interim plans
• m2a-3.1Behaviour support in the NDIS (implementer): legislative and policy framework knowledge
• m2a-3.2Behaviour support in the NDIS (implementer): evidence-informed approaches
• m2a-3.3Behaviour support in the NDIS (implementer): commitment to reducing restrictive practices
• m2a-4.1Regulated restrictive practices (implementer): knowledge of practices and authorisation
• m2a-4.2Regulated restrictive practices (implementer): authorisation obtained and evidence submitted
• m2a-4.3Regulated restrictive practices (implementer): use only per plan and RPBS Rules
• m2a-4.4Regulated restrictive practices (implementer): joint evaluation with the specialist
• m2a-4.5Regulated restrictive practices (implementer): worker skills and risk understanding
• m2a-5.1Assessment and plan development (implementer): helping gather assessment information
• m2a-5.2Assessment and plan development (implementer): collaboration and responsibilities
• m2a-5.3Assessment and plan development (implementer): worker skills to inform plans
• m2a-5.4Assessment and plan development (implementer): access to PBS and restrictive practice training
• m2a-6.1Plan implementation (implementer): implementation policies and procedures
• m2a-6.2Plan implementation (implementer): working with the specialist on evidence-informed delivery
• m2a-6.3Plan implementation (implementer): worker skills per PBS capability framework
• m2a-6.4Plan implementation (implementer): enabling specialist training of workers
• m2a-6.5Plan implementation (implementer): training in safe use of restrictive practices
• m2a-6.6Plan implementation (implementer): collaboration with other providers
• m2a-6.7Plan implementation (implementer): performance management of implementation
• m2a-7.1Monitoring and reporting regulated practices (implementer): monthly reporting
• m2a-7.2Monitoring and reporting regulated practices (implementer): data used to improve outcomes
• m2a-7.3Monitoring and reporting regulated practices (implementer): feedback from data
• m2a-8.1Plan review (implementer): monitoring implementation through formal and informal means
• m2a-8.2Plan review (implementer): recording data required by specialist and RPBS Rules
• m2a-8.3Plan review (implementer): identifying need for earlier review
• m2a-8.4Plan review (implementer): contributing to strategy review to reduce restrictive practices
• m2a-9.1Reportable restrictive practice incidents (implementer): medical referral and assessment
• m2a-9.2Reportable restrictive practice incidents (implementer): collaboration with mainstream services
• m2a-9.3Reportable restrictive practice incidents (implementer): notifying the Commissioner
• m2a-9.4Reportable restrictive practice incidents (implementer): documented debriefing
• m2a-9.5Reportable restrictive practice incidents (implementer): adjusting supports and engaging a specialist
• m2a-9.6Reportable restrictive practice incidents (implementer): initiating authorisation
• m2a-9.7Reportable restrictive practice incidents (implementer): inclusive incident review

Module 3: Early childhood supports 35

• m3-3.1The child: legal and human rights understood and built into practice
• m3-3.2The child: risk managed to create a safe environment for children
• m3-3.3The child: state and territory child risk-of-harm reporting complied with
• m3-3.4The child: support network actively involved in the child's development
• m3-3.5The child: alternative arrangements when supports are interrupted
• m3-4.1The family: support plans based on child and family choice and control
• m3-4.2The family: family expertise about their child recognised and respected
• m3-4.3The family: strengths, needs and priorities identified in partnership
• m3-4.4The family: plans flexible and individualised to preferences and learning styles
• m3-4.5The family: plans culturally responsive to family beliefs and community
• m3-4.6The family: information and supports clear and built into everyday routines
• m3-4.7The family: family strengths built and own support network developed
• m3-4.8The family: family participation in the child's learning strengthened
• m3-5.1Inclusion: assessment focused on functioning in everyday routines
• m3-5.2Inclusion: inclusive participation in family, community and natural settings promoted
• m3-5.3Inclusion: links with family community and other agencies built
• m3-5.4Inclusion: participation in daily routines in natural learning environments promoted
• m3-6.1Collaboration: suitable key worker identified when the family wishes
• m3-6.2Collaboration: close links to coordinate the team around the child
• m3-6.3Collaboration: information shared across the team with family consent
• m3-6.4Collaboration: transition and exit planning coordinated across services
• m3-7.1Capacity building: support network built to achieve plan outcomes
• m3-7.2Capacity building: family confidence in using everyday routines built
• m3-7.3Capacity building: coaching and teamwork build child, family and provider capacity
• m3-7.4Capacity building: collaboration that affirms, challenges and supports practice
• m3-7.5Capacity building: feedback and learnings used to improve delivery
• m3-8.1Evidence-informed practice: strategies based on principles, research and law
• m3-8.2Evidence-informed practice: right expertise in place for the support network
• m3-8.3Evidence-informed practice: skills maintained through development and reflection
• m3-9.1Outcome based approach: functional outcomes set with the child and family
• m3-9.2Outcome based approach: documented plan describing interventions and outcomes
• m3-9.3Outcome based approach: family actively involved in assessment and plan review
• m3-9.4Outcome based approach: plan copy given to the family in accessible form
• m3-9.5Outcome based approach: outcomes support participation in family and community
• m3-9.6Outcome based approach: outcomes measured and reported meaningfully to the family

Module 4: Specialised support coordination 14

• m4-3.1Specialised support coordination: risk factors of high-risk participants understood
• m4-3.2Specialised support coordination: participant involved in crisis prevention planning
• m4-3.3Specialised support coordination: consultation in planning and plan review
• m4-3.4Specialised support coordination: suitable skilled providers identified
• m4-3.5Specialised support coordination: providers engaged to respond to risk and complexity
• m4-3.6Specialised support coordination: plan monitoring and reporting obligations managed
• m4-4.1Managing NDIS supports: funding used as the participant directs
• m4-4.2Managing NDIS supports: accessible information on support options given
• m4-4.3Managing NDIS supports: participant capacity to self-direct and plan built
• m4-4.4Managing NDIS supports: funded supports effective, efficient and complemented
• m4-5.1Conflict of interest: policies provided or explained to each participant
• m4-5.2Conflict of interest: support coordination distinguished from other supports
• m4-5.3Conflict of interest: provider interests disclosed and choice protected
• m4-5.4Conflict of interest: referrals to and from other providers documented

Module 5: Specialist disability accommodation 25

• m5-3.1SDA rights and responsibilities: rights built into practice and dwelling adjustments
• m5-3.2SDA rights and responsibilities: agreements and communication in accessible form
• m5-3.3SDA rights and responsibilities: autonomy, privacy, intimacy and sexual expression
• m5-4.1SDA conflict of interest: written policy available in accessible form
• m5-4.2SDA conflict of interest: conflicts managed and documented proactively
• m5-4.3SDA conflict of interest: SDA separated from other supports, separate agreements
• m5-4.4SDA conflict of interest: housing rights and tenure kept whatever support choice
• m5-5.1SDA service agreements: written agreement meeting SDA Conditions Rules and tenancy law
• m5-5.2SDA service agreements: minimum terms where no tenancy legislation applies
• m5-5.3SDA service agreements: expectations, provider and participant responsibilities
• m5-5.4SDA service agreements: dwelling safety features shared with SIL providers
• m5-5.5SDA service agreements: participant supported to understand terms and conditions
• m5-5.6SDA service agreements: signed copy given, or reason recorded
• m5-6.1SDA enrolment: dwellings meet design type, category and density requirements
• m5-6.2SDA enrolment: ongoing compliance with SDA Conditions Rules, building and tenancy laws
• m5-6.3SDA enrolment: dwellings kept in good repair for safety, security and privacy
• m5-7.1SDA tenancy management: adherence to the SDA Conditions Rules
• m5-7.2SDA tenancy management: vacancy policy that weighs tenants' views
• m5-7.3SDA tenancy management: documented arrangements with SIL providers in the dwelling
• m5-7.4SDA tenancy management: acting on violence, abuse, neglect and discrimination
• m5-7.5SDA tenancy management: adjusting to changed needs, modification or relocation
• m5-7.6SDA tenancy management: complaints system meeting the Complaints Rules
• m5-7.7SDA tenancy management: incident system meeting the Incident Management Rules
• m5-7.8SDA tenancy management: tenancy notices and right to review
• m5-7.9SDA tenancy management: tenancy policies and agreements in accessible form

Module 5A: Assistance with supported independent living 25

• m5a-3.1SIL supported decision-making: information to express will and preferences
• m5a-3.2SIL supported decision-making: dignity of risk in home and daily life
• m5a-3.3SIL supported decision-making: informed access to mainstream services
• m5a-3.4SIL supported decision-making: worker procedures for supported decision-making
• m5a-3.5SIL supported decision-making: worker training and refreshers
• m5a-4.1SIL safeguarding: Code of Conduct shown in respectful, rights-based home support
• m5a-4.2SIL safeguarding: dignity of risk balanced with safety, applied consistently
• m5a-4.3SIL safeguarding: workers skilled to respond to harm, bullying and conflict
• m5a-4.4SIL safeguarding: formal and informal safeguards, relationships and consistent staff
• m5a-4.5SIL safeguarding: participant understands impact of risky home choices
• m5a-4.6SIL safeguarding: worker responsibilities for home risks and collaboration
• m5a-4.7SIL safeguarding: approaches to conflict, intimidation and harm between participants
• m5a-4.8SIL safeguarding: regular review of safeguarding with participants
• m5a-5.1SIL practice governance: worker development, mentoring and supervision
• m5a-5.2SIL practice governance: trauma-informed practice for a safe home
• m5a-5.3SIL practice governance: workers competent in evidence-based home practices
• m5a-5.4SIL practice governance: documented vision, values and strategies for home supports
• m5a-5.5SIL practice governance: participant say in home and co-tenant matching
• m5a-5.6SIL practice governance: emergency planning oversight in shared living
• m5a-6.1SIL tenancy and support agreements: separate agreements when provider gives both
• m5a-6.2SIL tenancy and support agreements: understanding they are legally separate
• m5a-6.3SIL tenancy and support agreements: conflict of interest policy for dual providers
• m5a-6.4SIL tenancy and support agreements: raising concerns without fear of retribution
• m5a-6.5SIL tenancy and support agreements: support in the tenancy
• m5a-6.6SIL tenancy and support agreements: service agreement terms for home life

Module 6: Verification 12

• m6-3.1Risk management (verification): documented WHS risk management system
• m6-3.2Risk management (verification): appropriate insurance in place
• m6-3.3Risk management (verification): emergency and disaster planning included
• m6-3.4Risk management (verification): regular risk assessments of reliance on services
• m6-3.5Risk management (verification): infection prevention precautions in all settings
• m6-4.1Complaints management (verification): proportionate, fair complaints system
• m6-5.1Incident management (verification): proportionate incident system meeting the Rules
• m6-6.1Human resource management (verification): worker identity, checks and qualifications
• m6-6.2Human resource management (verification): NDIS orientation module and CPD records
• m6-6.3Human resource management (verification): infection control training and refreshers
• m6-6.4Human resource management (verification): PPE training for direct support workers
• m6-6.5Human resource management (verification): PPE available to workers and participants