Registration
Reportable incidents: the basics
Which incidents must be notified to the Commission, and how quickly.
Registered providers must have an incident management system that records all incidents, and must notify the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission about certain serious incidents — called reportable incidents.
What is a reportable incident
Reportable incidents are those that happen, or are alleged to have happened, in connection with the supports you provide. They include:
- The death of a participant
- Serious injury of a participant
- Abuse or neglect of a participant
- Unlawful sexual or physical contact with, or assault of, a participant
- Sexual misconduct committed against, or in the presence of, a participant, including grooming
- The use of a restrictive practice that is not authorised, or is not used in accordance with a behaviour support plan
Allegations count. You do not wait until something is proven.
Timeframes
- The most serious reportable incidents must be notified to the Commission within 24 hours of you becoming aware of them
- Use of an unauthorised restrictive practice must be notified within 5 business days
- Further information and a final report are generally required after the initial notification
Because timeframes and forms can change, check the Commission's current guidance and use the notification form in the Commission's portal.
What to do first
- Make sure the person is safe and get help — medical, police or emergency services as needed.
- Record what happened using your incident form, in factual language.
- Decide whether it is reportable. If you are unsure, treat it seriously and seek advice quickly rather than waiting.
- Notify the Commission within the required timeframe.
- Support the participant, involve them in what happens next, and record their view.
- Review what happened and change what needs changing.
Every incident, not just reportable ones
Your internal system records everything, including near misses. Auditors look at how you use those records: patterns spotted, controls changed, improvements made. A register with entries but no follow-up is a common finding.
