No area of NDIS compliance carries more scrutiny than regulated restrictive practices. If your organisation implements behaviour support plans that include them, your obligations are specific, ongoing and heavily audited.
What counts as a regulated restrictive practice
The NDIS rules regulate five categories: seclusion, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, physical restraint and environmental restraint. If any of these are used with a participant, the full framework applies, regardless of how routine the practice feels day to day.
What implementing providers must have in place
1. A current behaviour support plan
Any regulated restrictive practice must be included in a behaviour support plan developed by an NDIS behaviour support practitioner, interim or comprehensive, and used only as described in that plan.
2. Authorisation
Where a state or territory requires authorisation of the practice, that authorisation must be obtained and current. Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Your procedure needs to reflect the state you operate in.
3. Usage recording
Every use of a regulated restrictive practice must be recorded: what was used, when, for how long, and in what circumstances. This is where a proper restrictive practice register and usage records earn their keep.
4. Monthly reporting to the Commission
Implementing providers report restrictive practice use to the NDIS Commission monthly through the portal. Miss the rhythm and it shows immediately. It's one of the first things auditors check.
5. Working toward reduction
The framework's whole purpose is reducing and eliminating restrictive practices. Auditors look for fade-out strategies in plans, review dates that are honoured, and evidence the team is trained in positive behaviour support.
The documentation that makes this manageable
Our BehaviourFlow module ($790) packages the implementation framework: policy and procedure, usage register, data collection sheets, debriefing forms and the monthly reporting procedure. Providers who also develop plans pair it with BehaviourPro ($790), or take the Behaviour Support Provider Package ($2,390) with CertCore included. Train your team with the Restrictive Practices online course ($190).
Talk to us if you're unsure whether your current arrangements meet the framework. It's a conversation worth having before your auditor has it with you.
This article is general information, not legal or professional advice. Refer to the NDIS Commission and your state authorisation body for current requirements.