Registration Task Force Report and NDIS Funding Reforms: Impacts on OT Practice

Recent discussions, including the release of the Registration Task Force final report and proposed legislative changes, have sparked widespread debate within the OT community. This article delves into these developments, exploring their implications for practice and offering guidance for navigating this evolving landscape.

Understanding the Registration Task Force recommendations

The final report from the NDIS Registration Task Force outlined key recommendations aimed at balancing participant choice and safeguarding service quality. The recommendations propose a tiered approach to registration, categorising providers based on the level of risk associated with their services. The proposed tiers include:

• Advanced registration: High-risk supports such as behaviour support and group home services

• General registration: Medium-risk supports, including most therapy services, personal care and community access

• Self-directed support requirements: For participants managing their own supports, with accountability measures to ensure safety

• Basic registration: Low-risk supports, including some sole traders and community participation providers

• No registration: For mainstream goods and services such as retail providers

Key concerns

While the recommendations aim to streamline processes, they have raised several concerns:

• Safeguarding participants: Many in the OT community question whether reduced registration requirements for self-directed supports adequately protect vulnerable participants.

• Administrative burden: Some providers worry about the impact of increased compliance requirements, particularly for smaller practices.

• Professional recognition: The report suggests recognising existing professional registrations, such as AHPRA, to reduce duplication, but it does not eliminate the need for NDIS-specific registration.

Proposed funding categories under new legislation

The draft legislation also outlines 36 categories detailing what will and will not be funded by the NDIS. Notable inclusions and exclusions include:

What will be funded

• Evidence-based therapy supports aimed at improving functional skills

• Functional assessments for support planning and review

• Specialist equipment with accessibility features

What will not be funded

• Standard household items, such as dishwashers or trampolines, unless they include accessibility adaptations

• Personal items like sex toys, even if disability-related

• Certain therapeutic services, such as Reiki and general massage, unless directly tied to disability needs

These proposed changes seek to bring clarity to funding decisions but may limit the flexibility participants currently experience.

Advocacy and community action

Amid these changes, the OT community has been actively advocating for systemic improvements. Initiatives like the "Tell Them From Us" survey aim to gather insights from OTs working in the NDIS space to inform government decision-making. Participation in such surveys and consultations ensures the voices of OTs are heard during this critical period.

Supporting sustainable practice

Navigating these changes requires a proactive approach to OT professional development and practice management. Strategies include:

• Leveraging resources: Tools such as OT learning modules, NDIS templates and NDIS forms streamline workflows and improve service delivery.

• Engaging in professional development: Self-paced OT learning and OT live workshops, such as those offered by Verve OT Learning, help practitioners stay informed and adaptable. Embracing opportunities for OT professional development ensures practitioners remain at the forefront of best practices.

• Building robust systems: Clear service agreements and compliance with updated registration requirements enhance trust and efficiency.

• Prioritising self-care: OTs must address burnout and maintain wellbeing to provide high-quality care. Engaging in OT clinical supervision and establishing boundaries around work hours can support long-term sustainability.

Looking ahead

The evolving NDIS framework presents challenges but also opportunities for innovation and collaboration. By staying informed and engaged, OTs can adapt to these changes while continuing to advocate for participant-centred care. Whether through OT professional development, OT professional supervision or attending industry events, practitioners can equip themselves to navigate this dynamic environment effectively.

As the sector moves forward, the commitment of the OT community to ethical, evidence-based practice remains central to shaping a sustainable and impactful future.