COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the NDIS Regulated Restrictive Practices in Disability Support course. This course is designed to equip disability support professionals with a clear understanding of the legal, ethical, and practical aspects of regulated restrictive practices under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The use of restrictive practices is a highly sensitive area of support that requires a deep commitment to human rights, trauma-informed care, and lawful procedures. This section begins by defining restrictive practices as outlined in the NDIS Act 2013, highlighting their impact on the rights and freedoms of participants, and emphasising the importance of always using the least restrictive approach to promote dignity and autonomy.

A comprehensive understanding of the legislative and regulatory framework is essential for compliant practice. This section explores the role of the NDIS Commission, the NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018, the Practice Standards, and quality indicators. It also covers State and Territory-specific authorisation and reporting requirements that must be followed when restrictive practices are used.

Before implementing any restrictive practice, a detailed risk assessment is vital. This section examines how to assess physical, psychological, and trauma-related risks, consider health and medication factors, and understand the importance of gender and cultural variables when evaluating the need for and impact of such practices.

Chemical restraint is one of the most commonly misunderstood restrictive practices. This section defines chemical restraint, differentiates between therapeutic and behaviour-influencing medications, and outlines reporting requirements, protocols, and ethical considerations regarding its use, especially with long-term impact in mind.

Environmental restraint involves restricting a person’s access to spaces or items. This section clarifies what constitutes an environmental restraint, distinguishes it from general safety measures, and discusses managing shared spaces where restrictions may affect other participants.

Mechanical restraint involves the use of devices to restrict movement. This section defines mechanical restraint, examines therapeutic versus non-therapeutic use, and explores misuse, risks to participant safety, and the broader implications of applying such practices.

Physical restraint can pose significant physical and psychological risks. This section defines what constitutes physical restraint, highlights prohibited methods such as prone restraint, and explains safe application, continuous monitoring, and necessary documentation to minimise harm.

Seclusion refers to the solitary confinement of a participant and is heavily regulated. This section differentiates seclusion from ‘quiet time’, explains when and where seclusion is prohibited (especially for individuals under 18), and outlines reporting and consent requirements.

Ethical and cultural considerations must be central to all restrictive practices. This section introduces trauma-informed approaches, explains how to ensure cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants, and highlights the need to respect linguistic, religious, and sexual diversity in all aspects of support.

Restrictive practices may only be used under strict conditions. This section explains when restrictive practices are legally permitted under NDIS Rules, reinforces the principles of last resort and shortest duration, and outlines the documentation and clinical justification required.

The general risks and long-term impacts of restrictive practices must not be underestimated. This section addresses physical and emotional risks, how these practices affect a participant’s quality of life and autonomy, and the dangers of retraumatisation and escalating behaviours.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a proactive alternative to restrictive practices. This section explores PBS principles, how to conduct a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA), and how to develop Behaviour Support Plans that aim to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of restrictions.

Implementing restrictive practices requires careful planning. This section reinforces the principles of least restrictive use, the need for comprehensive risk assessments, and how trauma-informed care can guide decisions and reduce the need for restrictive responses.

Staff training and competency are non-negotiable in this field. This section covers the skills required for staff, including safe and ethical application, de-escalation techniques, debriefing after incidents, and ongoing professional development to ensure accountability.

Monitoring and review are critical for reducing restrictive practices over time. This section highlights the importance of data collection, incident reporting, regular reviews of Behaviour Support Plans, and organisational leadership in committing to continuous reduction strategies.

Real-world examples provide clarity and context. This section presents case studies across various types of restrictive practices to explore challenges, appropriate responses, and lessons learned through practical applications in disability support settings.

Compliance with regulatory bodies is a legal requirement. This section outlines the obligations for reporting to the NDIS Commission, the role of State and Territory authorisation bodies, and the serious consequences for non-compliance, including enforcement actions and penalties.

By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to understand, implement, and critically evaluate the use of restrictive practices within the NDIS framework—always prioritising the rights, safety, and wellbeing of individuals with disability.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Restrictive Practices

• Definition under the NDIS Act 2013
• Human rights implications of restrictive practices
• Importance of the least restrictive approach

2. Legislative and Regulatory Framework

• NDIS Commission’s Role
• NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018
• NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators
• Authorisation and reporting requirements by State/Territory

3. Risk Assessments Prior to Use

• Physical and Psychological Risk Factors
• Health, Medication, and Mobility Considerations
• Gender and Trauma-Related Risk Variables

4. Chemical Restraint

·       Definition and What is Not Chemical Restraint

·       Differentiating Therapeutic vs Behaviour-Influencing Medication

·       Chemical Restraint Protocols and Reporting Requirements

·       Impacts and Considerations

5. Environmental Restraint

·       Definition and What is Not Environmental Restraint

·       Distinguishing from General Safety Practices

·       Managing Communal Impacts in Shared Environments

·       Impacts and Considerations

6. Mechanical Restraint

·       Definition

·       Therapeutic vs. Non-Therapeutic Use

·       Safety Risks and Misuse Considerations

·       Impacts and Considerations

7. Physical Restraint

·       Definition

·       Prohibited Forms

·       Safe Application and Monitoring Practices

·       Impacts and Considerations

8. Seclusion

·       Definition and What is Not Seclusion

·       Difference Between Seclusion and Quiet Time

·       State/Territory Prohibitions

·       Impacts and Considerations

9. Ethical and Cultural Considerations

• Trauma-informed approaches
• Cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Respecting linguistic, religious and sexual diversity

10. When Can Restrictive Practices Be Used?

• Conditions for lawful use under NDIS Rules
• Last resort and shortest duration principles
• Clinical justification and documentation requirements

11. General Risks and Impacts of Restrictive Practices

• Psychological and physical risks
• Impact on quality of life and dignity
• Re-traumatisation and behaviour escalation risks

12. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Framework

• Principles of PBS
• Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)
• Developing Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans
• Strategies for Reducing and Eliminating Restrictive Practices

13. Key Considerations for Implementation

• Least Restrictive and Last Resort Principles
• Risk Assessments and Safety Planning
• Trauma-Informed Approaches

14. Staff Training and Responsibilities

• Competency Requirements
• De-escalation Techniques
• Debriefing and Support for Staff
• Ethical Use of Restrictive Practices

15. Monitoring, Review, and Reduction

• Data Collection and Incident Reporting
• Regular Plan Reviews
• Strategies for Fading Out Restrictive Practices
• Organisational Commitment to Reduction

16. Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Chemical Restraint Case Study
• Environmental Restraint Case Study
• Mechanical Restraint Case Study
• Physical Restraint Case Study
• Seclusion Case Study

17. Compliance, Reporting and Enforcement

• Obligations to notify the NDIS Commission
• State and Territory authorisation bodies
• Consequences of non-compliance and enforcement actions

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.