The Apoio Pulse – Issue 24

Great Audit Findings: Enhancing the NDIS

We hope this email finds you well and brimming with positive energy to embark on yet another fruitful period of supporting our amazing participants! Today, we're thrilled to share some exciting news straight from the Auditor's desk – an audit on the Effectiveness of the National Disability Insurance Agency's Management of Assistance with Daily Life Supports (ADL Supports) is in, and it's time to do a little happy dance! (insert eye roll….. We can’t help it that we find this stuff juicy!).

Before we dive into the juicy details, we need to warn you this is a long Pulse…. But, we wanted to share with you the key recommendations that the Auditor has put forth to further enhance the NDIS ecosystem. So, let's break it down like a fabulous interpretive dance routine:

🌟 Recommendation no. 1:

The Auditor suggests that the NDIA and Services Australia team up to ensure their staff can access information across both platforms seamlessly, like peanut butter and jelly! While the NDIA has expressed its agreement with this rhythm, Services Australia has not yet come on board. The aim is to work diligently to resolve any differences and strive for a harmonious duet!

🌟 Recommendation no. 2:

The Auditor highlights the need for the NDIA to take a closer look at the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS) tool. Planners will analyse its impact on participant plan outcomes and scheme sustainability. Let's give those plans some extra oomph!

🌟 Recommendation no. 3:

The Auditor emphasizes the importance of investigating plan variations! The NDIA should put on its detective hat to examine the impact of policy changes on plan funding outcomes, costs, and overall scheme expenses. A little sleuthing never hurt anyone!

🌟 Recommendation no. 4:

The Auditor encourages the NDIA to get tech-savvy by integrating some fancy controls into their spiffy new PACE ICT system! The aim? To align processes with internal policies and potentially ensure that reasonable and necessary decisions are like a smooth waltz!

🌟 Recommendation no. 5:

Transparency is key! The Auditor suggests that the NDIA should use review data and analysis to continually improve their reasonable and necessary decision-making. Plus, they could consider regularly sharing summaries, so we’re all always in the loop!

🌟 Recommendation no. 6:

The Auditor highlights the need for the NDIA to step up its conflict-of-interest management game! By putting procedures and declarations in place, it's all about ensuring everyone's dancing to the same rhythm when accessing participant records.

🌟 Recommendation no. 7:

Providers in the community are getting some extra attention! The Auditor stresses the importance of the NDIA taking a careful look at the potential conflict of interest when delivering support coordination and supports to the same participants – a little tango of risks!

🌟 Recommendation no. 8:

Fraud risk assessments, anyone? The Auditor recommends that the NDIA should make sure they keep a close eye on the high-risk moves to ensure a smooth, secure performance!

🌟 Recommendation no. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14:

The Auditor acknowledges that these recommendations stem from previous audits, and the NDIA is diligently working to align their plans with those of your dreams! However, as with any recommendation, they may be subject to further consideration and implementation.

🌟 Recommendation no. 15:

The Auditor suggests that the NDIA and the Attorney-General's Department should keep a watchful eye on the government's fraud control requirements. After all, a coordinated dance between all entities is essential!

Well, that's a wrap, folks! We hope you got through them ok! On a positive note, we can be rest assured the NDIA is taking these recommendations seriously, and they're all set to explore how they can enhance the dance floor of assistance with daily life supports!

Remember, we're the soul of the NDIS, and we're all here to cheer everyone on, every step of the way. If you have any questions or need more information, our doors are always open, and we're just a phone call or email away!

If you would like to have a read of the full document… it can be found here.

Keep shining and keep spreading the magic of support and care!