Registered vs unregistered NDIS providers: who you can choose

Families often hear “you must use a registered provider” as if it is always true. It is not. It depends on how the plan is managed, and on the type of support.

What registration means

A registered NDIS provider has been through the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission process. Registration is a fact. It is not the same as “NDIS approved”, which is not a real stamp the NDIA puts on a business.

Unregistered providers can still deliver many ordinary supports. They have not completed that Commission process yet.

Who can use an unregistered provider

According to the NDIS and the Commission:

• Self-managed participants can choose unregistered providers for most supports.
• Plan-managed participants can usually choose unregistered providers, with the plan manager paying the invoice, as long as the support is not one that legally requires registration.
• Agency-managed (NDIA-managed) participants generally need a registered provider.

Some supports are reserved for registered providers. Specialist Disability Accommodation and specialist behaviour support are the usual examples. Agency-managed funding is another.

Where Quantum Care sits

Quantum Care is not registered yet. Registration is in progress. Until it is approved:

• We support self-managed and plan-managed participants in Greater Melbourne.
• We do not take agency-managed plans.
• We do not use NDIS registration logos or call ourselves a registered provider.

If a coordinator needs a registered provider today, we will say so rather than stretch the language.

Questions to ask any provider

1. Are you registered with the NDIS Commission right now?
2. Which plan management types can you invoice?
3. What hours do you actually work?
4. How do I make a complaint?

If those answers are fuzzy, keep looking.