Reportable incidents

Serious incidents that registered providers must report to the NDIS Commission, such as abuse, neglect or serious injury.

What it means

Reportable incidents are serious incidents, or allegations of serious incidents, that registered NDIS providers must report to the NDIS Commission. They cover the kinds of events that can seriously affect a participant's safety and wellbeing.

These include the death or serious injury of a participant, abuse or neglect, and unlawful sexual or physical contact with a participant. They also include the unauthorised use of a restrictive practice, which is where a person's rights or freedom of movement are restricted in a way that has not been properly approved. Importantly, allegations of these things can be reportable too, not just confirmed events.

In practice

The rules exist to keep participants safe and to hold providers accountable. When a registered provider reports an incident, the NDIS Commission can look into what happened, make sure the right steps are taken, and help prevent similar incidents in the future.

For participants and families, it helps to know that these safeguards exist. If something serious happens while you are receiving supports, a registered provider has clear obligations to act and to report. You also have the right to raise concerns directly with the NDIS Commission yourself. You can ask an advocate, family member or friend to support you, and you should never feel you have to stay silent about something that has put you at risk.

A real example

For example, when Marcus was seriously injured during a support session, his registered provider was required to report the incident to the NDIS Commission. The report meant the circumstances could be looked into, and the provider had to show what steps it was taking to prevent a similar injury from happening again to Marcus or other participants.

Reportable incidents — FAQs

What counts as a reportable incident?
Reportable incidents include the death or serious injury of a participant, abuse or neglect, unlawful sexual or physical contact, and the unauthorised use of a restrictive practice. Allegations of these things can also be reportable, not only confirmed events. They are serious matters that registered providers must report to the NDIS Commission.
Who has to report a reportable incident?
Registered NDIS providers must report these incidents to the NDIS Commission. The obligation sits with the provider, so participants do not have to make the report themselves. That said, you always have the right to raise concerns directly with the Commission if you want to, and you can ask someone you trust to help.
Why do reportable incident rules exist?
The rules exist to keep participants safe and to hold providers accountable. When a provider reports an incident, the NDIS Commission can look into what happened, check that the right steps are being taken, and help prevent similar incidents in future. This creates an important safeguard for people receiving NDIS supports.
What is a restrictive practice?
A restrictive practice is something that restricts a person's rights or freedom of movement. It must be properly approved and used in line with the rules. When a restrictive practice is used without the proper authorisation, this is an unauthorised use and can be a reportable incident that a registered provider must report.
Can I report a concern myself?
Yes. Even though registered providers must report serious incidents, you can also raise concerns directly with the NDIS Commission. You can ask a family member, friend or advocate to support you. You should never feel you have to stay silent about something that has put you or someone else at risk.

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