The NDIA has today released a new NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment Framework - the evidence base and principles to inform the introduction of best practice Independent Assessments.
CEO Martin Hoffman said that functional assessments have always been central to the implementation of the NDIS, to help inform NDIS planning and development of support packages, with the Agency focussed on ensuring assessments were free and fair for all Australians with disability.
“The Agency completed an in-depth review of how functional assessments and assessment tools are currently used, to implement a best practice approach,” Mr Hoffman said.
“This paper details that important work that provided the foundation for the new Functional Capacity framework in line with recommendations. Shortly we will also publish a further paper explaining the specific assessment tools we have selected and why.”
Mr Hoffman said Independent Assessments were first recommended by the Productivity Commission, at the Scheme’s inception, and more recently by the NDIS Act Review (Tune Review),and were also announced as part of the Minister’s Plan for the NDIS in November 2019.
The Tune Review recommended a new approach to assessments - specifically for the NDIA to provide an assessment for the purposes of decision-making, using NDIA-approved assessors in a form set by the Agency to address:
• cost as a barrier for people with disability to access the Scheme
• improvements in the quality, consistency and transparency of NDIA decisions.
• ensuring planning decisions are directed towards improving functional capacity in the context of a participants goals and outcomes.
The framework for Functional Assessments was developed from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, the 2011 Productivity Commission report, which provided a blueprint for the Scheme, and the NDIS Act and Rules and other published information, as well as collaboration with experts in the sector.
University of Sydney’s Dr Ros Madden AM, Honorary Research Fellow and Nick Glozier, Professor of Psychological Medicine were consulted extensively in developing the framework.
“The NDIA has taken on one of the difficult technical and implementation problems in the disability field worldwide,” Dr Madden and Professor Glozier said.
“They have outlined a framework on which to build a fairer and more consistent disability assessment – to enable the rights of people with disability to participate across society. This diagnosis-neutral framework combines both the need to evaluate capacity and the determining role of the environment in helping or hindering participation.
“The framework recognises that assessment must combine quantifiable information obtained using scientific standards with the expert knowledge of people living with disability and the families and professionals who know them.”
Professor Andrew Whitehouse from the Autism CRC and Telethon Kids Institute and Professor of Autism Research at The University of Western Australia is very supportive of the assessment framework.
“The framework is consistent with international best practice. It has great potential to increase the accuracy of assessment, which is a critical foundation in determining the most appropriate supports for each individual,” Professor Whitehouse said.
Professor and Chair of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of New South Wales and Head of the Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South West Sydney, Valsamma Eapen said functional assessments are critical to the comprehensive assessment and an integral part of planning intervention and supports.
“The new functional capacity assessment framework by NDIS aligned to the International Classification of Functioning will undoubtedly enhance the development of effective programs matching each individual's functional level and needs, thereby optimising outcomes.” Professor Eapen said
Mr Hoffman said that the introduction of independent assessments has been part of ongoing discussion regarding improvements to the NDIS experience, including consultation with more than 40 peak health and disability bodies from across the sector, with the release of the framework the next important step in transparent communication about the new approach.
‘We know that with change there can be uncertainty – that’s why we have begun talking about these changes well in advance of rolling them out, so that we can continue gathering feedback, answer questions and address any concerns,’ said Mr Hoffman.
“We have heard that while people understand the importance of having free, consistent and fair independent assessments, people, understandably, have questions - that we are here to discuss and answer.”
The Agency wanted to provide clarity around independent assessments, specifically that:
• Wherever possible, participants will have a choice of assessor or organisation who can deliver their Independent assessments, from a panel of assessors engaged by the NDIA.
• Participants will be able to request a copy of their independent assessment results.
• Assessments are conducted separate to the NDIA with assessors drawn from a panel, which is being established through an open and competitive tender process.
• The NDIS panel of assessors will be live and will be changed based on needs and will not be a closed panel of providers
• Participants will still be able to request a review or appeal of access and planning decisions, if they feel a decision made about them is wrong.
“Ultimately, Independent Assessments will improve the quality and consistency of plans which we know has been a challenge during the roll out of the Scheme,’ said Mr Hoffman.
“They will also be a cost-free, simpler and more equitable approach to ensure participants receive the supports and funding they need – part of a wide range of improvements we are making for a simpler, fairer and better NDIS.”
Mr Hoffman said consultations on independent assessments will continue with a further 4,000 people receiving an independent assessment on a voluntary basis before by the end of the year to help further refine Agency practice ahead of wider rollout.