Understanding Restrictive Practices Under the NDIS
Restrictive practices are interventions that limit a person's rights or freedom of movement. Under the NDIS, they are subject to strict regulation and should only be used as a last resort.
Types of Restrictive Practices
The NDIS recognises five types of restrictive practices:
- Seclusion — confining a person in a room or area they cannot leave
- Chemical restraint — using medication to control behaviour
- Mechanical restraint — using devices to restrict movement
- Physical restraint — using physical force to restrict movement
- Environmental restraint — restricting access to environments
When Can Restrictive Practices Be Used?
Restrictive practices should only be used when:
- There is an immediate risk of harm
- Less restrictive alternatives have been tried
- They are authorised under state/territory legislation
- They are included in a registered behaviour support plan
- They are the minimum necessary to keep people safe
Your Rights
- You have the right to be free from unnecessary restrictive practices
- Any restrictive practice must be authorised and reported
- A behaviour support plan must include a reduction/elimination plan
- Practices must be regularly reviewed
How Align Network Can Help
Our behaviour support practitioners specialise in developing plans that reduce and eliminate restrictive practices. With our pharmacist expertise, we're particularly skilled in chemical restraint assessment and reduction.
Contact us for a specialist assessment.
Contact Align Network today
Contact Align Network for specialist behaviour support, plan management, or allied health coordination.