What is Reportable incident?

A reportable incident is an event a registered NDIS provider must report to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. The categories are death, serious injury, abuse or neglect, unlawful sexual or physical contact, sexual misconduct, and the unauthorised use of a restrictive practice. Initial reports are due within 24 hours or five business days depending on category.

The obligation sits with the provider, not the individual worker, and applies to incidents that occur in connection with the provision of supports — including allegations and suspicions, not only confirmed events.

Internal incident management is a separate obligation from external reporting: providers must have a system that records, investigates and acts on all incidents, whether or not they meet the reportable threshold.

Related terms

NDIS CommissionThe NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is the independent body regulating NDIS providers and workers. It registers providers, enforces the NDIS Practice Standards and Code of Conduct, operates worker screening, receives reportable incidents and complaints, and can ban individuals or revoke a provider’s registration.Restrictive practiceA restrictive practice is any action that restricts the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability. The regulated types are seclusion, chemical, mechanical, physical and environmental restraint. Their use must be authorised under state or territory law, set out in a behaviour support plan, and reported to the NDIS Commission monthly.SIRSThe Serious Incident Response Scheme requires approved aged-care providers to manage and report serious incidents involving people receiving care. Reportable categories include unreasonable use of force, unlawful or inappropriate sexual conduct, neglect, psychological or emotional abuse, unexpected death, stealing or coercion, and unexplained absence.Progress notesProgress notes are the written record of what happened during a support: what was delivered, how the participant responded, and anything of concern. They are the primary evidence that a claimed support was actually provided, and they are what an auditor, a plan reviewer or a coroner reads when a decision is questioned.

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