What is an implementing provider?

Providers often tell us they are "not really a behaviour support provider" when in fact they are an implementing provider. The distinction matters, because it changes what applies to you.

Implementing provider

You are an implementing provider if your workers put a behaviour support plan into practice. In everyday terms: a practitioner has written a plan for a participant you support, and your workers follow the strategies in it — including using a regulated restrictive practice the plan contains.

You do not need to be a specialist. If your support worker follows a plan that says the kitchen cupboard is locked, or that a particular calming routine is used, you are implementing.

Specialist behaviour support provider

A specialist behaviour support provider develops behaviour support plans. Plans are written by NDIS behaviour support practitioners, who assess the person, work out why behaviour is happening and design strategies. That is a separate area with its own requirements and is outside what this product covers.

Why the difference matters

If you implement, Module 2A obligations are likely to apply, including:

• Training each worker on the specific plan before they support the person
• Recording each use of a regulated restrictive practice
• Checking the practice is authorised in your state or territory
• Reporting the use of regulated restrictive practices to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission each month
• Notifying unauthorised use within 5 business days

How to work out which you are

Ask three questions:

1. Does any participant I support have a behaviour support plan?
2. Do my workers follow strategies from that plan?
3. Does the plan include a regulated restrictive practice?

If the answer to the first two is yes, you are implementing. If you are unsure about the third, ask the practitioner who wrote the plan — they can tell you exactly what is in it. Do not guess: it changes your scope, your documents and your reporting.