COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the NDIS Incident Management & Reporting Compliance course. This program has been developed for NDIS service managers, and frontline personnel to ensure full compliance with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Incident Management and Reportable Incidents) Rules 2018 and the NDIS Act 2013. Effective incident management is not only a regulatory obligation—it is a critical function that safeguards participants’ wellbeing, upholds their rights, and drives quality improvement across services. This course provides a comprehensive framework for establishing, operating, and refining an incident management system in line with national standards and provider responsibilities under the NDIS.

A well-functioning incident management system is fundamental to ensuring participant safety and organisational integrity. This course begins by introducing the core purpose of incident management within the NDIS framework, including how incidents are recorded, escalated, investigated and resolved. It reviews the legislative foundation provided by the NDIS Act 2013 and the Incident Management and Reportable Incidents Rules 2018, and emphasises the provider’s legal and ethical duty to respond to all incidents with transparency, urgency, and care. At its core, incident management supports the NDIS Commission’s safeguarding objectives by ensuring that services remain safe, respectful, and participant-centred.

All NDIS providers must implement a robust internal incident management system. This section outlines the foundational requirements for incident handling—including how to document, categorise and follow up on both reportable and non-reportable incidents. It explains how to identify incidents that meet the threshold under Section 5 of the Rules, and the process for escalating reportable incidents for regulatory notification. The section also covers immediate actions required to protect the participant’s health, safety, and wellbeing, regardless of incident classification.

Investigating incidents thoroughly is essential for preventing future harm. This section introduces practical investigation methods, including root-cause analysis, staff interviews, documentation review, and evidence-based decision-making. It emphasises how incident investigations should be transparent, timely, and informed by facts. The section also highlights the importance of using findings to implement meaningful improvements to support practices, environments, and organisational systems.

Reviewing incident trends strengthens organisational learning and prevention. This section explores how to collect, store, and analyse incident data to identify patterns, systemic issues, or emerging risks. It provides guidance on evaluating the effectiveness of previous interventions, modifying policies where necessary, and conducting periodic reviews to embed continuous improvement practices. Trend analysis also supports transparent governance and audit preparedness.

All incidents—whether minor or serious—must be accurately documented. This section explains how to record the essential elements of each incident, including the date, time, location, people involved, nature of the incident, response provided, investigation conducted, and outcomes achieved. It details the requirement to retain all incident records securely for a minimum of seven years and the importance of maintaining confidentiality and legal compliance in data handling.

Clear understanding of reportable incidents is critical. This section defines the categories of incidents that must be reported to the NDIS Commission within 24 hours of becoming aware. These include death, serious injury, abuse or neglect, unlawful sexual or physical contact, sexual misconduct, and unauthorised use of restrictive practices. The section explains how to classify incidents correctly under Section 5 and initiate immediate internal escalation processes in accordance with regulatory obligations.

Timely reporting to the NDIS Commission is a non-negotiable legal requirement. This section outlines the steps and timelines for notifying the Commission: initial notification within 24 hours, followed by a formal investigation report within five business days. It describes what information must be included in both reports—such as findings, corrective actions, and future prevention strategies—and the consequences of delay or incomplete disclosure.

All reportable incidents must be submitted through the NDIS Commission’s digital portal. This section provides step-by-step guidance on how to use the MyReportableIncidents portal to lodge incidents, verify accuracy of data, and track submissions. It also covers the importance of keeping digital and hard-copy records of all submitted reports to ensure readiness for audits and regulatory inspections.

Immediate response to any incident must prioritise participant welfare. This section outlines emergency protocols including providing first aid, contacting emergency services, securing the environment, and notifying family members or guardians unless doing so would place the participant at greater risk. It reinforces the importance of calm, structured response and clear communication during high-stress situations.

Preserving evidence is essential for effective investigation. This section explains how to collect and secure physical and digital evidence—including photos, staff logs, medical records, and CCTV footage—while maintaining its integrity. It provides procedures for documenting evidence preservation actions within the incident file and ensuring compliance with privacy and legal requirements throughout the process.

Internal investigations must commence promptly. This section details how to begin investigations within 24 hours of becoming aware of a reportable incident, including appointing an independent investigator, developing a clear investigation plan, and defining the scope and methodology of the inquiry. Prompt action supports timely resolution and regulatory compliance.

Comprehensive investigation requires structured information gathering. This section outlines how to conduct interviews with participants, staff, and witnesses; review participant files and relevant care documentation; and triangulate findings to determine causation and impact. It also provides a template for documenting key findings, systemic contributors, and mitigating factors.

Root-cause analysis is a critical part of incident resolution. This section explains how to move beyond surface-level causes to identify the underlying issues that contributed to the incident. It guides practitioners in developing action plans that are specific, measurable, and assign responsibilities with defined timelines. Action planning must be linked to quality assurance and monitored for completion and effectiveness.

Follow-up reports to the NDIS Commission must demonstrate resolution. This section outlines how to prepare the five-day post-incident report, which must include a clear summary of investigation findings, participant outcomes, staff or systemic changes, and confirmation of any further escalations. It ensures that all regulatory boxes are ticked while providing meaningful accountability.

Restrictive practices must only be used in accordance with NDIS legislation and authorisation processes. This section details the requirements for ensuring all restrictive practices are authorised under relevant state or territory law, and how any unauthorised use must be reported as a reportable incident within 24 hours. It also discusses how to manage associated behavioural support plan obligations and authorisation approvals.

Authorised restrictive practices must be monitored and reported. This section covers the requirements for monthly restrictive practice reporting to the NDIS Commission, including data tracking, usage logs, and internal review processes. It highlights how data must be reviewed at organisational level to detect overuse, identify risks, and inform behaviour support plan reviews.

Staff training is central to incident compliance. This section outlines how to train staff in incident recognition, response, documentation, and escalation. It emphasises the importance of written policies aligned with the NDIS Practice Standards, regular refresher training, and competency assessments to ensure consistent and confident implementation of incident protocols.

Failure to comply with incident rules can lead to serious consequences. This section provides an overview of the penalties for non-compliance—including financial penalties up to $550,000, suspension or cancellation of registration, and reputational damage. It explains how legal awareness and proactive risk management are essential to fulfilling provider obligations and safeguarding participants at all times.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped to implement a compliant, ethical, and responsive incident management system that aligns with NDIS legislation, protects participants’ rights, and reinforces a culture of safety and transparency. Your leadership in recognising, reporting, investigating, and resolving incidents will be instrumental in building trust, improving quality, and maintaining the highest standards of service within the NDIS framework.

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 Incident Management and Reportable Incidents

·       Understanding the purpose of incident management in the NDIS framework

·       Legislative background: NDIS Act 2013 and the 2018 Incident Management Rules

·       The role of providers in protecting participant safety and rights

2. Establishing an Incident Management System

·       Record and manage all incidents (including non-reportable ones)

·       Identify and escalate reportable incidents under Section 5 of the Rules

·       Take immediate action to ensure participant health, safety and wellbeing

3. Incident Investigation and Prevention

·       Investigate causes of incidents using root‑cause analysis

·       Engage relevant staff and witnesses to inform findings

·       Implement preventive measures and continuous improvement actions

4. Incident Trends Review and Analysis

·       Collect and analyse incident data to identify patterns

·       Evaluate effectiveness of interventions and system changes

·       Review outcomes periodically to inform organisational learning

5. Secure Incident Record Retention

·       Document date, time, location and people involved

·       Record incident type, responses, investigations and outcomes

·       Retain all incident records securely for minimum 7 years

6. Identification of Reportable Incidents

·       Define reportable categories: death, serious injury, abuse, unlawful contact, sexual misconduct, unauthorised restrictive practice

·       Ensure accurate classification under Section 5

·       Escalate identified reportable incidents within internal system

7. Mandatory Notification Requirements

·       Notify the NDIS Commission within 24 hours of awareness

·       Submit follow‑up report within 5 business days

·       Provide complete details of findings, outcomes, and actions

8. Use of NDIS Commission Portal

·       Access and lodge notifications via MyReportableIncidents portal

·       Ensure accuracy and completeness of online forms

·       Maintain submission records for audit purposes

9. Immediate Response to All Incidents

·       Provide first aid and emergency services as required

·       Remove hazards and secure the environment

·       Notify families/guardians unless participant safety is compromised

10. Evidence Preservation Protocols

·       Collect and preserve evidence (photos, logs, CCTV)

·       Store evidence securely to maintain integrity

·       Log preservation steps within incident records

11. Initiating Internal Investigations

·       Commence investigations within 24 hours of notification

·       Appoint an investigator independent of the incident

·       Prepare investigation plan detailing scope and methods

12. Investigation Techniques and Documentation

·       Conduct interviews with participants, staff and witnesses

·       Review support logs, behaviour plans and other documents

·       Document findings and identify contributing factors

13. Root-Cause Analysis and Action Planning

·       Analyse findings to uncover systemic root causes

·       Recommend corrective and preventive actions

·       Record actions with designated responsibilities and timelines

14. Follow-up Reporting to NDIS Commission

·       Submit a formal follow-up report within 5 business days

·       Include investigation outcomes and implemented actions

·       Confirm notification of any further required escalation

15. Managing Restrictive Practices

·       Use only NDIS‑approved restrictive practices

·       Confirm authorisation under relevant state/territory law

·       Report unauthorised use within 24 hours as a reportable incident

16. Monthly Reporting of Restrictive Practice Use

·       Track and document all authorised restrictive practices

·       Submit monthly usage reports to the NDIS Commission

·       Review aggregated data to identify emerging concerns

17. Staff Training and Policy Alignment

·       Train staff on incident recognition, escalation and reporting

·       Maintain written policies aligned with NDIS Practice Standards

·       Conduct regular refresher training and competency checks

18. Legal Compliance, Enforcement and Repercussions

·       Understand penalties including fines up to $550,000 for non‑compliance

·       Recognise risk of registration suspension or cancellation

·       Maintain legal awareness to avoid compliance breaches

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”.