Is it a reportable incident?
Answer a few questions to check whether an NDIS incident is reportable to the Quality and Safeguards Commission, and whether you have 24 hours or 5 business daysto notify. We'll email you a written decision record.
First, which best describes you?
The six NDIS reportable incident categories
Registered NDIS providers must notify the Commission of these incidents under the NDIS (Incident Management and Reportable Incidents) Rules 2018.
- Death of a person with disability
- Serious injury of a person with disability
- Abuse or neglect of a person with disability
- Unlawful sexual or physical contact with, or assault of, a person with disability
- Sexual misconduct committed against, or in the presence of, a person with disability
- Unauthorised use of a restrictive practice in relation to a person with disability
Notification timeframes
| All categories except restrictive practice | Within 24 hours (Immediate Notification) |
| Unauthorised restrictive practice — no harm | Within 5 business days |
| Unauthorised restrictive practice — with harm | Within 24 hours |
| Detailed 5 Day Form (all reportable incidents) | Within 5 business days |
Reportable incidents: common questions
What is a reportable incident under the NDIS?
A reportable incident is an act, omission, event or circumstance that occurs in connection with providing NDIS supports or services and that has, or could have, caused harm to a person with disability. Under the NDIS (Incident Management and Reportable Incidents) Rules 2018, registered NDIS providers must notify the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission of six specific categories: the death of a person with disability; serious injury; abuse or neglect; unlawful sexual or physical contact or assault; sexual misconduct; and the unauthorised use of a restrictive practice.
What are the NDIS reportable incident timeframes?
Most reportable incidents must be notified to the Commission within 24 hours of key personnel becoming aware of them, using the Immediate Notification Form. The one exception is an unauthorised use of a restrictive practice that did not result in harm, which is notified within 5 business days. For every reportable incident, a more detailed 5 Day Notification Form must also be submitted within 5 business days.
Do unregistered NDIS providers have to report incidents?
The reportable-incidents notification system applies to registered NDIS providers. Unregistered providers are not required to notify the Commission through that system, but they must still comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct, and serious matters such as abuse, neglect or possible crimes should be acted on immediately, including contacting police. Anyone can make a complaint to the Commission about any provider, registered or not.
When is a restrictive practice a reportable incident?
The use of a restrictive practice is a reportable incident when it is used without authorisation, or not in accordance with the person's behaviour support plan. If it did not result in harm, it is notified within 5 business days; if it resulted in harm, it is notified within 24 hours like the other categories. Restrictive practices include chemical, physical, mechanical and environmental restraint, and seclusion.
Does the incident have to be confirmed before I report it?
No. You report based on an allegation or your awareness of a reportable incident having occurred, not on the outcome of an investigation. The 24-hour clock starts when key personnel become aware. If you are unsure, it is safer to notify and continue your assessment than to delay. The Commission can issue infringement notices or take compliance action where providers do not report within the required timeframes.
How do I notify the NDIS Commission of a reportable incident?
Notifications are made through the Commission's 'My Reportable Incidents' portal, starting with the Immediate Notification Form and followed by the 5 Day Form. There is no automated submission API, so the forms are completed online. You should also keep your own record of the incident, your immediate actions, and the notification in your incident management system.
Is this tool legal advice?
No. This is a decision-support tool built from the plain text of the NDIS (Incident Management and Reportable Incidents) Rules 2018 and the NDIS Commission's published guidance. It is not legal advice and does not create any professional relationship. Use it to structure your thinking and produce a record, then verify against the Commission's current Reportable Incidents guidance or call the Commission on 1800 035 544.
Stop deciding reportability from memory
ClinicComply's incident & complaints register decides reportability as you log, counts down the Commission deadline, and keeps the audit-ready record for you.