LOCAL National DIsability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant Mark Hardy made a submission to the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) on the NDIS regarding a loophole that concerns him.

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The loophole could effectively mean that some health practitioners could double dip charging two separate patients for the same appointment time.

Mr Hardy, who self manages his NDIS package has a background in accounting and auditing.

He spoke with News Of The Area about his concerns and what he calls a lack of quality control.

“There is an issue with charging for such things as not turning up for appointments and allowing allied health workers to charge.

“I had a situation where I was unable to turn up for an appointment, because I woke up sick.

“I was advised by the service provider that I would not be charged, but they sent an invoice to my financial intermediary for payment.”

Mr Hardy was then advised by the allied health service that when they have a cancellation they can ring someone on their waiting list to come in for a same day appointment.

“If they have someone come in and they charge them and also charge the NDIS then they are committing fraud against the government.”

Mr Hardy, who was approached to make the submission to the Joint Standing Committee, said, “I also consider the audit fees that are being charged to providers are excessive and restrict local registered auditors from being competitive in the marketplace.

“With this on cost reduced then savings can be made for the provider.”

The Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS tabled two reports on General issues relating to the implementation and performance of the NDIS in the House of Representatives and the Senate in December.

The unanimous report includes the National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA) proposal to introduce independent assessments as part of NDIS access and planning processes, and issues arising during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also considers financial matters related to the NDIS; issues affecting particular cohorts of people with disability; and other key issues relating to the implementation and performance of the scheme.

“The report makes 10 recommendations which aim to improve the NDIS for participants, providers and other key stakeholders,” Committee Chair, the Hon Kevin Andrews MP said.

“Some of the issues reviewed in this report have been more thoroughly examined by the committee in other inquiries or have been considered in inquiries conducted by other bodies.

“Consequently, in a number of instances the committee proposes to maintain a watching brief and encourages the Australian Government to give close consideration to the matters raised in this report,” Mr Andrews said.

The committee thanked all contributors, such as Mr Hardy for expressing their views via submissions.

By Sandra MOON