NDIS reportable incidents: what counts and the 24-hour timeframe
7 min readUpdated
When something serious happens on a shift, the first hours matter. Registered NDIS providers have to notify the NDIS Commission of reportable incidents within set timeframes, and the quality of the worker's first report shapes everything that follows. This guide covers what counts, how quickly to act and how to make the first report useful.
What is a reportable incident
Reportable incidents are serious incidents, or allegations of them, that happen in connection with NDIS supports. They include:
- The death of a participant
- Serious injury of a participant
- Abuse or neglect of a participant
- Unlawful sexual or physical contact with, or assault of, a participant
- Sexual misconduct committed against, or in the presence of, a participant
- Use of a restrictive practice that isn't authorised or isn't in line with the participant's behaviour support plan
The timeframes
Most reportable incidents must be notified to the NDIS Commission within 24 hours of key personnel becoming aware of them. A more detailed report follows within five business days, and the Commission may ask for a final report.
An unauthorised use of a restrictive practice must generally be notified within five business days, unless it resulted in harm to the participant. If it did, the 24-hour timeframe applies.
Notification goes through the NDIS Commission Portal. Always check the Commission's current rules, because this guide is a summary.
What the worker should record straight away
The first account is the most reliable one. Ask workers to write down, as soon as everyone is safe:
- What happened, in the order it happened, and what they saw and heard themselves
- When and where it happened
- Who was involved or present
- What they did straight away, such as first aid, calling 000 or separating people
- Who they told, and when
What the provider does next
Someone with authority reviews the report, decides whether it's reportable and notifies the Commission within the timeframe. Record the notification reference, what was done to keep the participant safe, who was told (family, guardian, police) and what will change to stop it happening again.
Never edit or delete the original report. If something new comes to light, add it as a new record so the history stays true.
How Neo Shift helps
Workers report from the shift in minutes, and possible reportable incidents are flagged with the 24-hour timeframe.
See incident reporting in Neo ShiftCommon questions
How long do providers have to report an NDIS reportable incident?
Most reportable incidents must be notified to the NDIS Commission within 24 hours of key personnel becoming aware of them, with more detail within five business days. An unauthorised restrictive practice is generally notified within five business days, or within 24 hours if the participant was harmed. Check the Commission's current rules.
Who notifies the NDIS Commission?
Registered providers notify the Commission through the NDIS Commission Portal. Support workers report incidents to their provider, who decides whether the incident is reportable and makes the notification.
Can Neo Shift notify the NDIS Commission for us?
No. Workers report incidents from their phone and your coordinators are emailed straight away. Neo Shift flags categories that may be reportable with the timeframe, and you record your review and the Commission reference after notifying through the Commission's portal.
Check the official source
This guide is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm the details with the NDIS Commission.
