Understanding Chemical Restraint Under the NDIS
Chemical restraint refers to the use of medication to control a person's behaviour, rather than to treat a diagnosed medical condition. Under the NDIS, chemical restraint is classified as a restrictive practice and is subject to strict reporting and oversight requirements.
What Counts as Chemical Restraint?
A medication is considered chemical restraint when it is:
- Prescribed primarily to manage behaviour (not a diagnosed condition)
- Used to restrict a person's freedom of movement or action
- Not the least restrictive option available
Your Rights
Every NDIS participant has the right to:
- Be free from unnecessary restrictive practices
- Have any restrictive practice authorised through proper channels
- Have a behaviour support plan that includes a restrictive practice reduction plan
- Regular review of all medications used as chemical restraint
The Role of a Pharmacist in Behaviour Support
At Align Network, our team includes registered pharmacists. This means we bring clinical medication expertise to behaviour support — something most providers can’t offer. We can:
- Review current medications for appropriateness
- Identify whether medications are being used as chemical restraint
- Work with prescribers to develop reduction plans
- Provide evidence-based alternatives
What Families Can Do
- Ask questions about every medication — what it's for and whether it's the least restrictive option
- Request a medication review from a pharmacist
- Ensure your behaviour support practitioner addresses chemical restraint in the BSP
- Report concerns to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Contact Us
If you have concerns about chemical restraint, contact Align Network for a specialist assessment.
Contact Align Network today
Contact Align Network for specialist behaviour support, plan management, or allied health coordination.