Service providers for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in South Australia who need to use restrictive practices for people in their care can obtain approval through the Restrictive Practices Authorisation Scheme from 30 May.
In a statement, the Department of Human Services (DHS) said the use of restrictive practices, which safeguard people from hurting themselves or others, must be authorised under the Disability Inclusion (Restrictive Practices – NDIS) Amendment Act 2021, due to start on 30 May, or another Act.
Senior Authorising Officer for the Restrictive Practices Authorisation Scheme, Trinh Mai said the Scheme implemented the new laws, which provided strong safeguards for people with disability.
“The new laws set out the roles, processes and criteria for the authorisation of regulated restrictive practices by registered NDIS service providers for NDIS participants in South Australia,” Ms Mai said.
“The South Australian Government has committed to the National Framework for Reducing and Eliminating the use of Restrictive Practices in the Disability Service Sector,” she said.
“The Scheme promotes accountability, transparency, and visibility of restrictive practices to reduce their use.”
Ms Mai said NDIS service providers and Authorised Program Officers employed by NDIS service providers had been working closely with the Restrictive Practices Unit to familiarise themselves with the new Scheme.
“They have been using the Restrictive Practices System (RPS) to apply for and assess applications for restrictive practices, in preparation for the commencement of the legislation,” she said.
“We encourage current RPS users to continue using the system.
“Any NDIS service providers who haven’t already done so are encouraged to register to use RPS as soon as possible.”
Further information about the Scheme can be accessed at this PS News link and the 14-page National Framework at this link.
