Allied Health NDIS Audit Checklist
Rules / NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators
Practice StandardsNDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicatorsndis-practice-standards--core-continuity-of-supports
Requirement

Core module: Continuity of supports

The Core module outcome continuity of supports: every quality indicator the NDIS Practice Standards set for it (Core 16.1 to Core 16.5), what an auditor asks to see under each, the common gaps, and a free worksheet to fill in.

Clause

NDIS Practice Standards Core 16.1 to Core 16.5

Regulator

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

Edition held

Rules Schedules 1 to 8, Compilation No. 6 (F2026C00527) and Quality Indicators Guidelines Compilation No. 3 (F2026C00528), in force 1 July 2026

Checked current

6 October 2026, Federal Register: both compilations are the latest version on 6 October 2026

Who it applies to

Registered NDIS providers audited by certification: registered for early childhood supports, specialist behaviour support, implementing behaviour support plans or regulated restrictive practices, or specialised support coordination. An individual or partnership whose only certification requirement is early childhood supports meets only Core clause 7 (freedom from abuse) and Module 3 (Rules s 20(4) and (5)).

Every clause in the standards library

NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators on the standards library

Under review, not in force

The NDIS Commission's review of the Practice Standards (a proposed quality framework and changes to the standards and how they are assessed) is still being considered; nothing from it is in force.

Core 16.1Continuity of supports: day-to-day operations managed to avoid disruptionsource
Requirement, our statement of the clause

Day-to-day operations are managed efficiently and effectively so supports are not disrupted and stay continuous.

Evidence that typically shows this
  • Rostering system and roster fill-rate reports
  • Records of missed or late shifts and the response
  • Operational meeting minutes
Common gap to check
  • Frequent unfilled shifts with no analysis
  • Missed visits not recorded
Core 16.2Continuity of supports: suitable cover for absences and vacanciessource
Requirement, our statement of the clause

When a worker is absent or a position is vacant, a suitably qualified or experienced person performs the role.

Evidence that typically shows this
  • Relief or casual pool with qualifications checked against participant needs
  • Roster records showing replacement workers and their competency for the participant
  • Handover notes for replacement workers
Common gap to check
  • Replacement workers not trained in a participant's high intensity needs
  • No handover to relief staff
Core 16.3Continuity of supports: needs and preferences documented and given to workers firstsource
Requirement, our statement of the clause

Supports are planned with each participant to meet their specific needs and preferences, which are documented and given to workers before they start working with the participant, so the participant's experience stays consistent with what they asked for.

Evidence that typically shows this
  • Support plans or profiles recording needs and preferences
  • Records that workers read the plan before their first shift (sign-off or system log)
  • Participant feedback on consistency of support
Common gap to check
  • New workers start without seeing the plan
  • Preferences recorded but not available on the worker's device or in the home
Core 16.4Continuity of supports: arrangements for uninterrupted support across the agreementsource
Requirement, our statement of the clause

Arrangements proportionate to the provider's supports ensure the participant receives support without interruption for the whole period of their service agreement.

Evidence that typically shows this
  • Business continuity plan covering staffing, systems and suppliers
  • Service agreement terms describing continuity arrangements
  • Records of service interruptions and how they were covered
Common gap to check
  • Business continuity plan does not cover loss of key workers
  • Supports stopped at short notice without a continuity arrangement
Core 16.5Continuity of supports: alternative arrangements explained, agreed and suitablesource
Requirement, our statement of the clause

Where changes or interruptions cannot be avoided, alternative arrangements for each participant are explained to and agreed with them, and delivered in a way that suits their needs, preferences and goals.

Evidence that typically shows this
  • Records of discussions with the participant about changes and the alternatives agreed
  • Updated service agreements or schedules after changes
  • Feedback from participants on alternative arrangements
Common gap to check
  • Participants told of changes by text with no discussion
  • Alternative supports that ignore the participant's goals
Worksheet: what your practice holds, and where
RefHeld (yes, partly, no, not applicable)Where it is keptOwnerLast reviewedNext review
Core 16.1
Core 16.2
Core 16.3
Core 16.4
Core 16.5
Download the worksheet (CSV)Print the worksheet (A4)

Completing this worksheet records what your practice holds and where. It does not make a practice compliant or ready for audit, and it is not legal advice.

Related requirements

NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators

See every requirement for your practiceSee the specimen practice