S9E03 - NDIS Registration Confusion, Worker Screening and What Happens Next

The Occupational Therapy sector is moving through another period of uncertainty, with ongoing discussions around NDIS pricing, registration and funding changes continuing to dominate conversations across the profession. At the same time, conference and expo season is underway, giving OTs a valuable opportunity to reconnect, learn from one another and strengthen professional networks.

In recent conversations across the OT community, one thing has become increasingly clear – while there is still a lot we don’t know about upcoming NDIS changes, there is enormous value in staying informed, avoiding misinformation and leaning into community support.

Understanding the current NDIS funding discussion

One of the biggest concerns circulating at the moment is the discussion around NDIS plan reductions. There has been widespread confusion, with some providers and coordinators hearing claims that all plans will be reduced to a fixed amount.

What has actually been communicated so far is that the government intends to gradually reduce overall plan spending back toward average funding levels seen around 2023. Reports suggest this may involve reductions somewhere in the range of approximately 22% to 30% overall, but the exact implementation process remains unclear.

Importantly, this does not mean every participant will suddenly receive the same funding amount. The details of how any reductions may occur have not yet been released, and there is still uncertainty around whether changes will happen during scheduled plan reviews or through broader administrative adjustments.

For OTs supporting participants through this period, caution around misinformation is critical. Many conversations currently happening online and within services are based on speculation rather than confirmed policy.

Why the annual pricing review matters

A key document many providers are waiting for is the annual pricing review report. This report is expected to provide further clarity around pricing recommendations, registration pathways and possible future pricing structures.

The annual pricing review is separate from the final NDIS price guide. The review outlines recommendations and findings gathered through consultation, while the price guide confirms the actual operational changes providers will need to follow.

This distinction matters because many OTs are currently feeling pressure to begin registration processes immediately, despite not yet knowing what future registration requirements or pricing models may look like.

For many providers, particularly sole traders and small practices, the most practical approach right now may simply be to stay informed, monitor updates closely and avoid making rushed decisions before the full details are released.

NDIS worker screening checks for unregistered providers

Another area creating confusion for many therapists is the NDIS worker screening check process for sole traders and unregistered providers.

While requirements vary slightly between states, the process generally involves applying through the relevant state authority before linking the screening clearance through the NDIS Commission’s unregistered provider portal.

For sole traders, this can feel unnecessarily complicated because providers are often required to effectively link themselves to their own unregistered provider account.

The worker screening process itself is relatively straightforward once the systems are set up correctly. Most therapists will need to provide identification documents such as a Medicare card, passport and driver’s licence, complete an online application and attend an in-person identity check.

One positive development is that NDIS worker screening checks are now increasingly being recognised within aged care settings, reducing the need for duplicate police checks in some circumstances.

For OTs considering future registration, obtaining a worker screening check may be one practical step worth completing early while waiting for fur