Incident reporting obligations for independent support workers
What counts as a reportable incident, your obligations as an unregistered vs registered NDIS provider, and how to record, respond and notify. A practical guide.
Why incident reporting matters for independents
Registered vs unregistered: what actually differs
What counts as a reportable incident
Responding in the moment
How to record an incident well
Who to notify, and when
Restrictive practices — a special case
Building a simple incident process for your business
Frequently asked questions
Do unregistered support workers have to report incidents to the NDIS Commission?
The formal reportable-incident notification rules apply to registered providers. As an unregistered independent you are not bound by those rules in the same way, but you must still follow the Code of Conduct, keep participants safe, and record incidents. Anyone, including workers, can report serious matters to the…
What is a reportable incident under the NDIS?
Reportable incidents include the death of a participant, serious injury, abuse or neglect, unlawful sexual or physical contact or assault, sexual misconduct including grooming, and the unauthorised use of a restrictive practice — where these happen in connection with the delivery of NDIS supports.
What should I do first when an incident happens?
Look after the person before the paperwork. Make them safe, provide first aid and call 000 if needed, then notify their emergency contact and support team. Once the situation is stable, write a factual record of what happened and what you did, while it is fresh in your memory.
How long do I keep incident records?
Keep incident records securely with your other client records for the same period you keep business and NDIS records. Store them confidentially, never alter them after the fact, and add any later information as a dated note. Confirm current retention expectations with the NDIS Commission and your insurer.
Can I use a restrictive practice to manage difficult behaviour?
As an independent you should not use restrictive practices. Only use strategies expressly authorised in a participant's behaviour support plan, and only within its terms. Unauthorised use is a reportable incident. If you feel you need restraint or seclusion, escalate to the participant's behaviour support practitioner…
Where do I report a serious incident?
For immediate danger, call 000. For serious matters such as abuse, neglect, assault or sexual misconduct, you can report to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, which accepts reports and complaints from workers and the public. Also inform the participant's support coordinator, plan manager and, as appropriate,…