Conditions every regulated restrictive practice in a plan must meet
NDIS Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support Rules s 21(3), stated plainly and cited to the edition held, with the evidence an auditor or the regulator asks for, the common gaps, and a free worksheet to fill in.
Restrictive Practices Rules s 21(3)
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018, Compilation No. 1 (F2020C01087), in force 1 December 2020
6 October 2026, Federal Register: latest version on 6 October 2026
Registered providers of specialist behaviour support, and providers whose supports involve a regulated restrictive practice.
NDIS Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support Rules on the standards library
Each regulated restrictive practice in the plan must be clearly identified; authorised under any State or Territory process; used only as a last resort in response to risk of harm and after proactive strategies have been explored and applied; the least restrictive response possible; aimed at reducing risk of harm; proportionate to the potential negative consequence or risk; and used for the shortest possible time.
- Plan entries for each practice stating trigger, form, maximum duration and authorisation
- Rationale showing why less restrictive options are insufficient
- Use data showing durations within plan limits
- Practice described vaguely, for example 'as needed' without limits
- No reasoning for proportionality
| Ref | Held (yes, partly, no, not applicable) | Where it is kept | Owner | Last reviewed | Next review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| s 21(3) |
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 Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support Rules
- s 21(2)Include evidence-based, person-centred, proactive strategies
- s 21(4)Give opportunities for community participation and new skills
- s 20(5)Base a comprehensive plan on a functional behavioural assessment
- s 22Review comprehensive plans on change and at least every 12 months
- s 20(4)Tell the person and family of the intention to include a restrictive practice
- s 23Prepare plans in the form the Commissioner sets
- s 20(3)Reduce the need for restrictive practices and consult widely
- s 24Lodge every plan and reviewed plan with the Commissioner
- Every page of this instrument
The same topic in other instruments (behaviour support)
- NDIS Practice Standards Module 2 3.1 to Module 2 3.5Module 2: Behaviour support in the NDIS
- NDIS Practice Standards Module 2 4.1 to Module 2 4.8Module 2: Restrictive practices
- NDIS Practice Standards Module 2 5.1 to Module 2 5.6Module 2: Assessments and plans
- NDIS Practice Standards Module 2 6.1 to Module 2 6.7Module 2: Supporting implementation
- Children guidance P-6Positive behaviour support for children, never harmful practices
See every requirement for your practiceSee the specimen practice