The South Australian Government has launched a consultation into draft legislation around restrictive practices, with the aim of strengthening safeguards for vulnerable people with a disability.
The consultation aims to ensure restrictive practices, such as restraint and seclusion, are used only as a last resort and in accordance with individual behaviour support plans.
The streamlined scheme proposes using a risk-based authorisation process where:
· Low-level, less intrusive restrictive practices may be authorised by an approved officer within an NDIS provider
· High-level, more intrusive restrictive practices can only be authorised by an approved officer in the South Australian Department of Human Services
A new restrictive practice authorisation unit within the DHS will work with registered NDIS providers to educate them in appropriate processes as well as collecting data on the use of restrictive practices in South Australia.
Consultation is now open for providers, people with disability, families and carers via the YourSAy website, closing Friday, 29 January 2021 at 5:00 pm.
Government of South Australia: Restrictive practices legislation
NDS: Consultation on proposed SA restrictive practices rules
NDS: SA budget support for a nationally consistent framework on restrictive practice authorisation