Who needs a verification audit
When you apply for NDIS registration, the NDIS Commission sends an Initial scope of audit based on the registration groups you chose. If every support you applied for is lower risk and lower complexity, you need a verification audit. If even one is higher risk, such as daily personal care or behaviour support, you need a certification audit instead.
Many providers on the verification pathway are already professionally regulated, for example allied health professionals registered with AHPRA or members of a recognised professional body, whose competence is monitored through their profession.
What the verification module covers
The verification module of the NDIS Practice Standards has four areas:
- Human resource management: records of worker identity, right to work, checks, qualifications and experience; every worker completes the NDIS Worker Orientation Module; ongoing professional development; infection control and PPE training
- Incident management: an incident management system that suits your size and supports and meets the NDIS incident management rules
- Complaints management and resolution: a fair complaints system that participants know about and can use
- Risk management: a documented risk system covering work health and safety, appropriate insurance including professional indemnity, public liability and accident cover, emergency and disaster planning, and regular risk assessments
How the audit works
You choose an approved quality auditor from the Commission's list and share your Initial scope of audit. The auditor carries out a desktop review of your documents. There is no onsite stage, but the auditor may ask for more information or evidence.
The Commission's NDIS Practice Standards Qualification and Professional Associations Required Documentation Guide sets out which documents you need for each registration group, such as qualifications and professional memberships. The auditor submits the report to the Commission up to 14 days after completing the audit, and the Commission then assesses your suitability and makes a decision.
Cost
There is no fee to register with the NDIS Commission. You pay the auditor directly, and the Commission does not set audit prices. Because a verification audit is a desktop review, it usually costs less than a certification audit, but prices vary, so get quotes from more than one approved quality auditor.
Documents to have ready
- Your ABN and business details
- Qualifications and professional registrations or memberships for each worker who delivers supports
- Worker screening clearances where required, and Worker Orientation Module certificates
- Your incident management, complaints and risk management policies, written to match how you really work
- Certificates of currency for professional indemnity, public liability and accident insurance
- Your emergency and disaster plan and infection control procedures
After the audit
Registration is generally granted for three years. Unlike certified providers, providers registered only for lower risk supports do not need a mid term audit, but the Commission can require a condition audit, and adding higher risk registration groups later means a certification audit. Keep your records current through the registration period, because you will be audited again at renewal.