Using a regulated restrictive practice with an NDIS participant needs two things: a behaviour support plan that meets the NDIS rules, and authorisation under the law of the state where the practice is used. This article covers Queensland.
Two systems working together
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission oversees behaviour support plans, practitioners and the reporting of restrictive practices. Authorisation remains a state responsibility. In Queensland, it currently sits under the Disability Services Act 2006 and is administered by the Queensland Government's disability services department.
How it works in practice
- The practitioner assesses the person and writes a behaviour support plan
- The plan explains why each restrictive practice is needed, how it will be used and how it will be reduced
- Authorisation is sought through the Queensland process before the practice is used, where required
- The provider uses the practice only as set out in the plan and the authorisation, and reports its use to the NDIS Commission
Who is involved
Depending on the type of practice, the person's guardian or decision maker, the Queensland department and in some cases the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal may have a role. The behaviour support practitioner and the provider work together to prepare what is needed.
Reforms
Queensland has been reforming its restrictive practices authorisation framework, following a review and a Bill introduced in 2024. Requirements may change, so we check the current position for each participant.
Northern NSW
If the person lives in the Tweed or elsewhere in NSW, the NSW authorisation process applies instead. See our page on behaviour support in the Tweed.
This article is general information only and is not advice about a particular person's circumstances. NDIS funding arrangements change from time to time, so check the participant's plan and current NDIA guidance.
