COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Developing Compliant NDIS Service Agreements course, designed to equip service providers with the essential skills and knowledge to create effective and compliant NDIS Service Agreements.
Service Agreements are fundamental tools for establishing clear expectations and fostering transparency between providers and participants. This course ensures that you understand the importance of compliance, participant rights, and legal responsibilities within the NDIS framework, empowering you to deliver supports that align with NDIS standards.
We begin by exploring the purpose and key components of NDIS Service Agreements, focusing on their role in promoting participant choice and control while ensuring providers meet their obligations under the NDIS Act and consumer law. You will learn how to draft agreements that clearly define responsibilities, protect both parties, and foster trust.
The course delves into identifying and documenting the parties involved, including participants, service providers, and any legal guardians or nominees. You will understand the importance of maintaining accurate participant information, safeguarding privacy, and ensuring compliance with data protection standards.
Setting clear timelines for agreements is vital for aligning with NDIS plan periods and service commitments. You will gain insights into specifying start and end dates, managing renewals, and ensuring agreement durations meet participant needs.
Defining the purpose of the agreement is a critical step in ensuring alignment with participant goals and NDIS plans. This section covers how to articulate objectives that prioritise independence, choice, and empowerment while meeting the participant’s specific needs.
Outlining provider and participant responsibilities is key to ensuring accountability and mutual understanding. You will explore how to define roles clearly, manage complaints effectively, and maintain respectful relationships throughout the agreement term.
This course also provides comprehensive guidance on creating detailed schedules of supports, covering categories, costs, and additional expenses. You will learn to ensure transparency and compliance with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Pricing Limits.
We will address payment arrangements, transport and travel costs, non-face-to-face supports, and cancellation policies, ensuring these elements are communicated effectively to participants and comply with NDIS guidelines.
Understanding the procedures for making changes, ending agreements, and handling feedback or disputes is essential. This course will guide you through establishing clear amendment and termination processes while maintaining compliance with Australian consumer law.
Additional focus areas include documenting participant consent, addressing GST requirements, and preparing for emergencies or service interruptions. You will also learn how to incorporate quality assurance reviews and attach supplementary information to enhance clarity and transparency.
By the end of this course, you will be proficient in developing NDIS Service Agreements that are compliant, participant-focused, and aligned with best practices. This ensures not only legal adherence but also the delivery of high-quality, person-centred supports that empower participants to achieve their goals effectively.
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 NDIS Service Agreements
- Purpose and Importance of NDIS Service Agreements
- Legal and Regulatory Requirements for Compliance
- Overview of Key Components in a Service Agreement
2. Identifying the Parties Involved
- Including Service Provider Details
- Participant Information
- Adding Nominee or Legal Guardian Details if Applicable
3. Defining the Agreement Period
- Specifying Agreement Start and End Dates
- Including NDIS Plan Periods Where Relevant
- Aligning Agreement Timelines with Service Commitments
4. Stating the Purpose of the Agreement
- Explaining the Objectives of the Agreement
- Promoting Participant Independence, Choice, and Control
- Connecting Agreement Goals to the Participant’s NDIS Plan
5. Outlining Provider Responsibilities
- Delivering Agreed Supports Effectively and Respectfully
- Ensuring Compliance With NDIS Act and Consumer Law
- Managing Complaints, Invoices, and Transitions
6. Outlining Participant Responsibilities
- Treating Providers Respectfully and Sharing Relevant Information
- Monitoring Budgets and Adhering to Schedules
- Informing Providers of Changes in the NDIS Plan
7. Creating a Schedule of Supports
- Detailing Supports, Frequency, Costs, and Goals
- Including Support Categories
- Addressing Additional Expenses Outside NDIS Funding
8. Establishing Payment Arrangements
- Options for Self-Managed, Plan-Managed, or NDIA-Managed Funds
- Invoicing Policies and Payment Timelines
- Addressing Overdue Payments or Disputes
9. Addressing Transport and Travel Costs
- Including Policies on Participant Transport Costs
- Detailing Provider Travel Charges in Line With NDIS Pricing
- Clarifying Mileage and Parking Fees if Applicable
10. Including Non-Face-to-Face Supports
- Defining Activities Covered
- Aligning With NDIS Price Guide for Non-Face-to-Face Supports
- Communicating Policies Clearly to Participants
11. Specifying Cancellation Policies
- Conditions for Cancellations and Short-Notice Penalties
- Addressing Group and Intensive Program Cancellation Fees
- Providing Participants With Clear Cancellation Guidelines
12. Addressing Changes to the Agreement
- Establishing Procedures for Amending the Agreement
- Requiring Written Approval From Both Parties for Changes
- Using Amendment Sheets for Minor Adjustments
13. Ending the Agreement
- Notice Periods and Conditions for Termination
- Addressing Expiry, Renewal, or Transition to New Agreements
- Ensuring Compliance With Australian Consumer Law
14. Feedback, Complaints, and Disputes
- Providing Channels for Feedback and Complaints
- Procedures for Resolving Disputes Internally
- Contacting External Bodies Like the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
15. Periods of No Service
- Notifying Participants of Planned Interruptions
- Ensuring Continuity of Care Where Possible
- Providing Advance Notice and Contingency Plans
16. Documenting Participant Consent
- Obtaining Consent for Collecting and Sharing Information
- Including Media Usage Permissions if Necessary
- Providing Optional Consent Forms for Specific Activities
17. Addressing Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Confirming GST Applicability or Exemptions
- Aligning With NDIS Rules for Tax Compliance
- Communicating GST Policies to Participants
18. Ensuring NDIS Compliance
- Monitoring Compliance With Participant and Provider Obligations
- Keeping Participant Plans and Details Updated
- Addressing Funding Sufficiency and Adjustments
19. Incorporating Quality Assurance and Reviews
- Establishing Regular Service Reviews
- Conducting Annual Quality Evaluations With Participants
- Using Feedback to Improve Services and Agreements
20. Preparing for Emergencies and Disasters
- Developing Emergency and Disaster Management Plans
- Collaborating With Participants During Emergencies
- Communicating Emergency Procedures Clearly
21. Utilising Attachments for Additional Information
- Attachment 1: Detailed Schedule of Supports
- Attachment 2: Amendment Sheets for Minor Changes
- Attachment 3: Participant’s NDIS Plan (Optional)
22. Finalising the Agreement
- Collecting Participant and Provider Signatures
- Ensuring Both Parties Agree to Terms and Conditions
- Providing Copies of the Signed Agreement to All Parties
23. Including a Glossary of Terms
- Defining Key Terms for Clarity
- Aligning Definitions With NDIS Guidelines
- Ensuring Participants Understand the Agreement Language
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”.