The NDIS Support Coordination Consent Form: What It Must Cover
Build a compliant support coordination consent form: the exact elements to include, informed-consent rules, information-sharing scope, and audit-ready record-
What a consent form is (and what it is not)
The compliance basis: why this is not optional
What must appear on the form
Informed consent is not a signature
Scoping information sharing correctly
Consent and conflict-of-interest disclosure
Duration, review and withdrawal
How this plays out in practice
Common mistakes and edge cases
Record-keeping and the audit trail
What the 2028 reforms change
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate consent form if I already have a service agreement?
Yes. The service agreement sets out scope, hours and price; the consent form governs decision-making authority and information sharing. Auditors and complaints investigators look for a distinct consent record, and bundling the two makes it harder to vary or withdraw consent cleanly. You can present them together at intake but keep them as separate records.
Can a family member sign the consent form for an adult participant?
Only if they are a formally appointed nominee or guardian with authority for that type of decision — and you should record the basis of that authority. Assume the participant has capacity and support them to consent themselves wherever possible. A relative being closely involved does not, on its own, give them the right to consent or to receive the participant's information.
Is a verbal consent ever enough?
In a genuine emergency you may act on verbal consent, but you must document it promptly afterwards — what was agreed, with whom, and why written consent was not obtained first. As standard practice, consent should be written, specific and signed. Verbal-only consent with no follow-up record is a common finding against coordinators.
Do unregistered support coordinators still need proper consent processes?
Yes. Mandatory registration for standard support coordination (group 0106) is paused, but the NDIS Code of Conduct and the Privacy Act still bind you, and the Commission can investigate complaints against unregistered providers. Maintaining an audit-ready consent and evidence file protects you regardless of registration status.
How often should consent be reviewed?
Review at each plan reassessment or at least annually, and whenever the participant's supports or wishes change. Record the review even when nothing changes, because a dated 'reviewed, no change' note is itself evidence that consent is current. Confirm any specific requirements against the current NDIS Practice Standards and Commission guidance.