Navigating the New STA Rules: How YOU (the provider) Can Protect Yourself
Short Term Accommodation (STA) is a vital NDIS support category, offering participants temporary respite while providing them with tailored care. However, with recent updates to the STA guidelines, providers must stay informed and take proactive steps to ensure compliance and protect their business.
In this blog, we’ll unpack the new rules and share practical tips on how STA providers can safeguard themselves while delivering exceptional service.
What’s Changing in the STA Rules?
The recent updates emphasize the importance of:
- 1:1 Support Approval: Participants must have explicit approval for 1:1 support in their NDIS plans to access STA services requiring this level of care.
- Clear Documentation: Providers are expected to maintain comprehensive records to justify claims made under the NDIS.
- Participant Needs Assessment: Providers must ensure services align with the participant’s stated goals and needs in their plan.
These changes aim to enhance participant outcomes while promoting transparency and accountability within the NDIS framework.
Why Providers Need to Be Cautious
Non-compliance with these rules can lead to:
- Claim Rejections: Inadequate documentation or non-approved supports can result in unpaid claims.
- Legal or Financial Risks: Providers may face audits or penalties if found to be in breach of NDIS guidelines.
- Reputation Damage: Negative feedback or disputes can harm your business’s standing within the sector.
Who Is Not Eligible for STA?
Not all participants are eligible to access STA services. According to the updated guidelines, the following participants may not qualify:
-
Participants Without STA Funding in Their Plan
STA typically comes from the Core supports within an NDIS plan. Participants must have funding allocated for STA and related supports to be eligible. -
Participants Without 1:1 Support Approval (If Required)
If the participant’s needs include 1:1 support, they must have explicit approval in their NDIS plan for this level of care. Participants without this approval may need to request a plan review to include it. -
Participants Seeking STA for Non-NDIS-Related Activities
STA must align with the participant’s NDIS goals. It cannot be used for activities unrelated to their plan, such as personal holidays or non-disability-related respite. -
Participants Who Exceed the Allowable STA Limit
STA is typically funded for up to 28 days per year and no more than 14 days consecutively unless otherwise stated. Participants exceeding this limit without additional funding approval may not be eligible (and you won't be paid). -
Participants Using STA to Replace Long-Term Living Arrangements
STA is designed for short-term stays and cannot replace long-term accommodation solutions. -
Participants Living Alone or In Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Participants whose NDIS plans already fund Supported Independent Living (SIL) or who live alone with adequate funding for in-home supports may not be eligible for STA. These arrangements are designed to meet their accommodation and care needs on a regular basis, reducing the need for additional STA funding.
It’s crucial for providers to verify a participant’s eligibility before confirming STA bookings to avoid claim rejections or compliance issues.
How Providers Can Protect Themselves
1. Verify 1:1 Support Approval
Before accepting a participant for STA services, request and verify evidence of 1:1 support approval. This could include:
- Relevant sections of the participant’s NDIS plan.
- A written statement from their Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator.
If the participant does not have this approval, clarify their options, such as seeking plan reviews or arranging alternative funding.
2. Send a Funding Confirmation to Their Plan Manager
To confirm funding and eligibility, send a funding confirmation request to the participant’s plan manager. This ensures:
- The participant has adequate STA funding available.
- Eligibility criteria are met for the proposed service.
Receiving a written confirmation from the plan manager not only safeguards you but also provides a formal record in case of disputes.
It is always best practice to send a funding confirmation request in the form of a Service Agreement. This way, everyone is on the same page.
You can find our STA Service Agreement here.
3. Document Everything
Maintain thorough records for every participant, including:
- Copies of their NDIS plan showing STA and 1:1 support approval.
- Consent forms, service agreements, and daily logs of care provided.
- Incident reports or adjustments made to meet participant needs.
This documentation not only supports your claims but also demonstrates compliance during audits.
4. Set Clear Expectations with Participants
Educate participants and their representatives about the new STA rules. Ensure they understand:
- What approvals are required.
- Their responsibilities for providing necessary documentation.
- Potential costs or service limitations if approvals are missing.
5. Stay Updated on NDIS Policy Changes
NDIS rules and guidelines are constantly evolving. Regularly review updates on the NDIS website or subscribe to industry newsletters to stay informed.
6. Review and Update Your Policies
Align your internal policies with the new STA rules. Consider:
- Updating service agreements to reflect the requirement for 1:1 support approval.
- Training staff on how to assess participant eligibility and maintain compliance.
Compliance Protects Everyone
While the new STA rules may seem daunting, they are designed to create a safer, more transparent system for both providers and participants. By taking steps to verify approvals, document services, and educate participants, you can protect your business while continuing to deliver high-quality support.
Stay proactive, stay informed, and remember that compliance isn’t just about avoiding risk—it’s about ensuring participants receive the best care possible.
If you’re an STA provider looking for resources to navigate these changes, Launchly is here to help! Explore our comprehensive policy and procedure packs tailored for NDIS providers, and take the stress out of compliance.