You may discover that some service providers identify to themselves as “NDIS registered,” while others do not, when you are in the process of locating the correct service providers for you. It is common for people to have a misunderstanding regarding the distinction between NDIS registered and unregistered service providers.
In this post, we will delve into the realm of “unregistered providers,” so that you are able to make an educated selection and obtain the greatest supports that are now available.
What exactly does it mean to be NDIS registered?
It is up to individual service providers to decide whether or not to formally register with the NDIS. These service providers are referred to as NDIS registered providers. The NDIS safeguard commision has stringent rules about safety, quality, and compliance, and as part of the registration process, these organisations are subjected to audits to determine whether or not they satisfy these requirements.
Although unregistered service providers are not subject to this procedure and are not required to fulfil the same requirements, this does not imply that their level of service is lower than that offered by NDIS-registered service providers.
What are the reasons that not all service providers sign up with the NDIS?
There are numerous different considerations that go into a provider’s decision to not sign up with the NDIS. It’s possible that some smaller providers won’t be able to go through the registration process because they lack the resources (time, energy, and money). Others, such as your neighbourhood gardener, might not focus on or even be aware of the process of getting NDIS registered because they do not specialise in providing services to people with disabilities. This is something that many rural providers experience on a regular basis.
Do I have access to both registered and unregistered providers, or just registered ones?
This is something that is dependent on how your NDIS funding is managed, as unregistered service providers are not an option for all participants.
You are free to use either registered or unregistered service providers regardless of whether your plan is plan managed or self managed. If your plan is controlled by the agency (NDIA), then you are only allowed to use providers who are registered.
People opt to employ plan managers for a variety of reasons, one of which being the ability to select service providers from a pool that includes both registered and unregistered businesses. We frequently come across customers who had been working with the same modest, neighbourhood service provider for a significant amount of time prior to the NDIS (like their physiotherapist from around the corner). Even though they are not registered with the NDIS, they are still able to continue working with the trusted provider that they are familiar with thanks to plan management.
Are there any drawbacks to working with a provider who is not registered?
The answer to this question is highly dependent on the provider. Although technically unregistered providers are not required to fulfil the same criteria as NDIS registered providers, the vast majority of unregistered providers do so anyhow.
There are, in point of fact, a large number of unregistered providers who are enthusiastic about the act of providing assistance and go above and beyond to assist NDIS members in achieving their objectives. In a similar vein, the mere fact that a provider is registered with the NDIS is not sufficient evidence that they will satisfy your individual requirements for support and customer service.
Therefore, before you choose any provider, whether they are registered or not, we strongly advise you to conduct some research and determine whether or not they are suitable for your needs. This is true regardless of whether or not the provider is registered. This could involve having a conversation with them in an informal setting, reading reviews of them on the internet, inquiring about their professional credentials, or even contacting a support coordinator for assistance in making your decision.
