Believe it or not, drafting an NDIS service agreement can protect you and your NDIS service provider. Most people don’t see the use, but I tell you, having one can be a big life changer. Curious? Make sure to read the article down below.
As an NDIS partner, there is a certain NDIS agreement that we need to follow. With the NDIS service agreement, providers and NDIS can agree on how they can help recipients who require the support and products.
If you are one of the new partners of NDIS, there are certain things that you need to know about. This way, you are guided on the NDIS service agreement. Aside from that, it will give you a better insight into what the NDIS service agreements are all about.
Down below are some of the important information that you need to know about the NDIS service agreement. Make sure that you read them with an open mind.
How did it all start?
With 4.3 million Australians suffering from a disability, the Australian government has put up a way how they can help their disabled fellowmen for the next five years. Hence, that is how the NDIS was first made.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a program that is set up by the Australian government for disabled fellowmen. The government funds about 500,000 Australians every year with an average of $22 billion as a form of disability support.
Aside from the financial aid, the NDIS support scheme doesn’t just stop from there. It also offers
aid to family members of the disabled patient. It helps them find doctors, clinics, and community groups to help them and their disabled family members.
What is the NDIS service agreement?
The NDIS service agreement is a kind of agreement that contains the terms and agreement between the NDIS service provider and the participant.
NDIS often suggests that before you can start with the service, make sure that you have everything written down in the terms and agreements. With the agreement written in black and white, both parties can abide by the terms and conditions that are agreed upon by both parties.
What is inclusion?
When drafting the NDIS service agreement, there are simple things that you need to include. When writing the terms and conditions, you need to make sure that everything should be covered.
Down below are some of the important things that you need to include when writing the NDIS service agreement.
- The agreement should state the personal details of the provider and the participant. They should include the contact numbers, as well as the start and end date of the contract.
- The terms should be clear and transparent. It should include the reason for the service, the responsibility of both parties, and their agreement on the payment terms.
- They should also put into writing what the scenarios that can cause the NDIS service agreement to be null and void are.
What are the things that you need to look for in a service provider?
When looking for a service provider, there are certain things that you should ask and consider. It will help you narrow down the best provider that meets your needs.
- What support can they offer you?
- Do their support workers have the skills and experience that are in line with your needs?
- Is their price fair and in range with the budget?
- How many people have taken their service? Do I know someone who can vouch for the quality service that they offer?
- Are they registered under NDIS?
You must be able to answer these questions when choosing the best service provider for your needs. It makes choosing an easy decision.
FAQS
Does having an NDIS service agreement mandatory?
Having an NDIS service agreement is important but not mandatory. One of the reasons why you should make it mandatory is that it’s a legally binding agreement between you and the service provider. This legally binding document will protect you and your provider. It will also serve as your guideline in terms of the responsibilities of both parties.
However, for the Specialist Disability Accommodation, you are required to draft a written consent and agreement on this one.
Can I cancel my NDIS service agreement?
You can cancel your NDIS service agreement. However, it might be difficult. Hence, you must add this part to the agreement. One tip that you should remember is that you have to write down scenarios that can cause the cancellation of the service. Remember that you are drafting a legally binding agreement; chances are, if you cancel, you might have to pay for health services.
Is there a way to modify my NDIS service agreement?
Yes, you can modify or change your NDIS service agreement. However, you might have to talk to your service provider. In turn, you might have to sign a new agreement on the new amendments added to the contract.
However, some service providers do not offer these kinds of changes. Hence, it is still important that you create a clause for changes in the agreement. This way, both parties are covered and safe from possible scamming.
What if I want to change my NDIS provider?
If you want to change to another NDIS provider, then you might have to contact NDIS. NDIS can explain the process or if you are allowed to change providers. Hence, you must contact NDIS before signing any agreement with the NDIS provider.
Conclusion
An NDIS service agreement can help protect you and your provider. Many people would often forego this legal document. However, you must draft one. It would help you and guide you to the limits of your responsibilities. This document can also protect both the participant and provider from possible problems in the future. Hence, you must draft one. That way, in case of anything, both you and your provider are protected by the terms and conditions that are set between the two of you.
