For supported independent living (SIL) providers, restrictive practices authorisation is one of the most operationally complex compliance obligations you will manage. It involves multi-agency coordination, strict timeframes, and ongoing reporting obligations.
The five regulated categories are seclusion, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, physical restraint, and environmental restraint. Environmental restraint is particularly easy to overlook in SIL settings — locking a kitchen cupboard, restricting access to a room, or preventing a participant leaving the house unaccompanied all qualify.
Do not assume a practice is authorised simply because it has been used for a long time or was verbally agreed to by a family member. Only formal authorisation under the relevant state or territory framework constitutes lawful authorisation.
An NDIS behaviour support plan (BSP) prepared by a registered behaviour support practitioner is a prerequisite for authorisation. The BSP must document the specific restrictive practice, provide the evidence base for why it is considered necessary, include a positive behaviour support framework, and set out a plan for reducing and ultimately eliminating the restrictive practice.
Each state and territory has its own authorisation framework. The process typically involves submitting an application to the relevant body, providing the BSP and supporting documentation, demonstrating that less restrictive alternatives have been considered, and obtaining consent or a guardianship order where the participant lacks decision-making capacity. Authorisation is time-limited — keep a register with expiry dates and renewal reminders at least 60 days before expiry.
Every instance of the restrictive practice must be documented including date, time, duration, worker, circumstances, and participant's response. Monthly reports must be submitted to the NDIS Commission via the provider portal — including nil reports during periods of no use. The goal of every authorisation is eventual elimination.
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