Module 2a: Behaviour support and restrictive practices

The National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 refers to a restrictive practice as any method or action that limits the rights or freedom of mobility of an individual with a disability. The NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018 identifies select restrictive practices as regulated restrictive practices. For use of these regulated restrictive practices, there are particular conditions and reporting obligations to adhere to. There are five types of regulated restrictive practices which are outlined below:

• Seclusion – The sole confinement of a person with disability in a room or a physical space at any hour of the day or night where voluntary exit is prevented, or not facilitated, or it is implied that voluntary exit is not permitted.
• Chemical restraint – The use of medication or chemical substance for the primary purpose of influencing a person’s behaviour. It does not include the use of medication prescribed by a medical practitioner to treat, or to enable the treatment of, a diagnosed mental disorder, physical illness or physical condition.
• Mechanical restraint – The use of a device to prevent, restrict, or subdue a person’s movement for the primary purpose of influencing a person’s behaviour. Mechanical restraint does not include the use of devices for therapeutic or non-behavioural purposes.
• Physical restraint – The use or action of physical force to prevent, restrict or subdue movement of a person’s body, or part of their body, for the primary purpose of influencing their behaviour. Physical restraint does not include the use of a hands-on technique in a reflexive way to guide or redirect a person away from potential harm/injury, consistent with what could reasonably be considered the exercise of care towards a person.
• Environmental restraint – The restriction of a person’s free access to all parts of their environment, including items or activities.

What You Can Expect From Us In Implementing Restrictive Practices

Restrictive practices are occasionally implemented to ensure safety. However, these practices may limit your rights or prevent you from engaging in common activities. This page provides a comprehensive guide on what to anticipate when your NDIS provider employs restrictive practices.

Supporting People in Need (Spin) adheres to the standards set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission when implementing restrictive practices if necessary. This means we will have ‘Module 2a’: knowledge of behaviour support plans and restrictive practices and is reflected on our certificate of registration as approved for the following: “Implement restrictive practices with the people you support”.

• We will create a service agreement with you, outlining all agreed supports. Your input is invaluable in ensuring the supports align with your needs.
• We will assist and collaborate with you as a participant of the NDIS to develop a plan as quickly as possible.
• You have a right to question the implementation of restrictive practices and seek alternatives.
• Restrictive practices will only be employed as a last resort to ensure safety. They must only be used for the shortest time necessary and cease immediately once there’s no more risk.
• Practices that are illegal or harmful to you will never be employed by your NDIS provider.
• We will seek authorisation for any restrictive practices implemented, as per state or territory rules.
• We will ensure that your behaviour support plan is effectively implemented, making necessary environmental changes and assisting you in learning new skills.
• We ensure our staff have the required knowledge and skills to provide the necessary support.
• All usages of restrictive practices will be recorded and reported to the NDIS Commission.
• We will continually review your plan and make necessary changes, upon your request.