What Are NDIS Restrictive Practices?

Restrictive practices under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are regulated interventions that limit a participant’s rights, decision-making, or freedom of movement. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission oversees these practices, and providers may only use them as a last resort to prevent serious harm to the participant or others.

Furthermore, every restrictive practice must appear in a registered Positive Behaviour Support Plan (PBSP), and providers must implement it in line with strict legal and ethical requirements.

The 5 Regulated Restrictive Practices Under the NDIS

Under the NDIS, the Commission recognises five regulated restrictive practices. Each carries its own definition, requirements, and risks.

1. Chemical Restraint

Chemical restraint involves using medication to influence or control behaviour, rather than to treat a diagnosed medical condition. As a result, providers must clearly distinguish between therapeutic medication and behavioural medication in all documentation.

2. Environmental Restraint

Environmental restraint restricts a participant’s access to parts of their environment or to personal property — for example, locking rooms or cupboards. Consequently, providers must justify this restriction in the behaviour support plan and review it regularly.

3. Mechanical Restraint

Mechanical restraint uses devices or equipment to restrict a person’s movement, such as splints or belts. Therefore, practitioners must document the clinical rationale and review the ongoing need at every plan review.

4. Physical Restraint

Physical restraint involves using physical force to prevent, restrict, or control a person’s movement. Because of the elevated risk of harm, providers must treat this practice with extreme caution and report its use promptly.

5. Seclusion

Seclusion means confining a person in a space and preventing them from leaving, either alone or separated from others. In addition to strict reporting requirements, providers must ensure they never use seclusion as a convenience measure or a substitute for adequate staffing.

NDIS Requirements and Rules for Restrictive Practices

Restrictive practices carry strict legal and compliance standards. Specifically, providers must meet all of the following requirements:

• ✅ Document the practice in a Behaviour Support Plan developed by an NDIS-registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
• ✅ Obtain authorisation under relevant state or territory legislation
• ✅ Use the practice only as a last resort, after trying all less-restrictive alternatives
• ✅ Apply the practice for the shortest time possible and only in response to a risk of harm
• 🚨 Report any unauthorised use immediately to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

Why Positive Behaviour Support Comes First

The NDIS strongly prioritises Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) over restrictive practices. Rather than managing behaviour through restriction, PBS focuses on:

• Understanding the reasons behind behaviours of concern
• Implementing proactive, person-centred strategies
• Reducing or eliminating the need for restrictive practices over time

Ultimately, the goal of PBS is to improve the participant’s quality of life while maintaining their safety and dignity. Therefore, providers should always exhaust PBS strategies before considering any form of restrictive practice.

Reporting Obligations for NDIS Providers

Providers who use restrictive practices carry significant reporting responsibilities. In particular, they must:

1. Submit monthly restrictive practice reports to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
2. Accurately record usage, duration, and outcomes for every instance
3. Report unauthorised or emergency use immediately upon occurrence

Failure to meet these obligations may result in regulatory action against the provider.

High-Risk Restrictive Practices to Avoid

Certain practices carry an elevated risk of physical or psychological harm and require close monitoring. Providers must never use the following:

• ❌ “Basket holds” or holds from behind
• ❌ Restricting access to basic human needs, such as toileting or food
• ❌ Any action that causes undue pain, distress, or trauma

Beyond the immediate harm they cause, these practices can also lead to serious compliance breaches and damage the trust between participants and their support teams.

Learn More About NDIS Restrictive Practices

Do you need more help with NDIS compliance? For expert advice and best-practice strategies, click here to view our full guide. 

At Plan Manage Assist, we are proud to support participants, carers, and support coordinators throughout every stage of the NDIS journey. If you have questions, concerns, or need guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is always here to help.

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