The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a vital resource for many Australians. With the rollout of PACE, the NDIA's new computer system, there are new processes support coordinators must understand. Supporting participants effectively under PACE requires adapting to these changes and following key steps.

One of the first tasks for unregistered support coordinators is setting up a Provider Digital Access (PRODA) account. This account is essential for accessing the 'my NDIS' provider portal. Registering your details with the NDIA is necessary to ensure you have the required access to manage participant plans and services.

Understanding how participant plans are managed, whether plan managed, agency managed, or self-managed, is crucial. Each management type has distinct requirements and processes for endorsing service providers. Knowing these differences helps in avoiding delays and ensuring smooth service delivery.

For agency-managed plans, securing endorsements for service providers is essential. This can be done by contacting the NDIA National Call Centre or the participant’s Local Area Coordinator. Unregistered support coordinators, on the other hand, primarily deal with self-managed or plan-managed participants and have different requirements.

Connecting with participants usually involves submitting a Request for Service (RFS) through the NDIA. This step links the support coordinator with the participant and does not require an endorsement. Additionally, new reporting templates have been introduced, which need to be submitted via the Myplace portal. Understanding these processes will aid in navigating the PACE system efficiently.

Setting Up Your PRODA Account

Support coordinators who are unregistered need to set up a Provider Digital Access (PRODA) account. This account gives them access to the 'my NDIS' provider portal, essential for managing participant services under PACE. Setting up a PRODA account is crucial as it allows you to register your details with the NDIA, enabling seamless interaction with the new system.

To set up your PRODA account, follow these steps:

1. Visit the NDIS provider registration page.

2. Click on the link to create a new PRODA account.

3. Follow the prompts to enter your personal and professional details.

4. Submit all required documents for verification.

5. Once verified, link your PRODA account to the 'my NDIS' provider portal.

Register your details with the NDIA to complete the process. This step is essential to gain full access to participant information and manage services efficiently. Unregistered support coordinators and psychosocial recovery coaches must complete this process to provide effective support.

Managing Participant Plans on PACE

Understanding how participant plans are managed is vital when supporting participants on PACE. Participant plans can be managed in three ways: plan managed, agency managed, and self-managed. Each type has distinct requirements for service provision and endorsement.

To identify how a participant’s plan is managed, check their plan details or consult with the participant or their nominee. Knowing the type of management helps determine the necessary steps for service provision and whether endorsements are required.

Key actions based on plan management:

- Plan Managed: If the participant’s plan is managed by an endorsed plan manager, no further endorsement of service providers is needed. You can proceed with providing services without delays.

- Agency Managed: For agency-managed plans, all service providers need to be endorsed. Failure to secure endorsements can result in payment delays. Ensure you are listed as an endorsed provider by contacting the NDIA or the participant’s Local Area Coordinator.

- Self-Managed: Participants with self-managed plans have the discretion to choose their service providers without requiring endorsements. For unregistered support coordinators, this means you can work freely with these participants without additional endorsement steps.

Understanding these management types and their requirements ensures smooth service delivery and compliance with NDIA guidelines.

Obtaining Necessary Endorsements

Endorsements are crucial for agency-managed plans under PACE. They ensure that service providers are recognised and approved by the NDIA, facilitating seamless service delivery and payment processes. Without proper endorsements, providers may face delays, impacting service delivery to participants.

There are two methods to obtain provider endorsement:

1. Contact the NDIA National Call Centre:

- Call 1800 800 110.

- Provide the necessary details to the representative.

- Confirm that you need the endorsement for service provision.

2. Reach Out to "My NDIS Contact":

- Contact the participant's Local Area Coordinator or Planner.

- Provide your details and the participant's plan information.

- Request the endorsement directly from them.

For unregistered support coordinators dealing with self-managed plans, obtaining endorsements is usually unnecessary. These participants have the flexibility to choose their service providers at their discretion. Understanding when and how to obtain endorsements ensures compliance and reduces any administrative delays.

Request for Service (RFS) and Reporting

Connecting with participants using the Request for Service (RFS) is a mandatory step for all support coordinators. Submitting an RFS links you with the participant’s plan and facilitates the management of services. This process does not require an endorsement, making it straightforward for both registered and unregistered support coordinators.

Steps to Submit a Request for Service:

1. Ensure you have the participant's NDIS plan details.

2. Log in to the 'my NDIS' provider portal using your PRODA account.

3. Navigate to the Request for Service section.

4. Complete the form with accurate details.

5. Submit the request and await confirmation.

New reporting templates introduced by the NDIA must be used by support coordinators and psychosocial recovery coaches. These templates standardise reporting and must be submitted through the Myplace portal. The templates help streamline communication and ensure that all necessary information is captured comprehensively.

Submission Process Through the Myplace Portal:

1. Log in to the Myplace portal.

2. Select the reporting template relevant to your role.

3. Fill out the required information accurately.

4. Review your submission for completeness.

5. Submit the report through the portal and keep a confirmation receipt.

Conclusion

Effectively supporting NDIS participants on PACE involves understanding new processes and requirements. From setting up a PRODA account to managing participant plans and submitting necessary reports, being well-informed is key. Adapting to these changes will enable you to provide better support and ensure seamless service delivery.

Kismet offers a range of resources to help you navigate these processes. Our platform can connect you with experienced professionals and support services tailored to your needs. Explore how our support coordinator can assist you in providing top-notch care to NDIS participants.