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NDIS behaviour support · Restrictive practices

Regulated Restrictive Practices (RRPs): A Guide for Behaviour Support Practitioners

What regulated restrictive practices are, what the NDIS rules require, how authorisation works in each state and territory, and how ConnectFirst™ training and clinical supervision help you reduce and eliminate their use.

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The five regulated restrictive practices

What are regulated restrictive practices?

A restrictive practice is any practice or intervention that restricts the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability. Under the NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018, five types are regulated:

Seclusion

Sole confinement of a person in a room or physical space where voluntary exit is prevented, not facilitated, or implied as not permitted.

Chemical restraint

Using a medication or chemical substance for the primary purpose of influencing a person's behaviour, rather than to treat a diagnosed mental disorder, physical illness or physical condition.

Mechanical restraint

Using a device to prevent, restrict or subdue a person's movement for the primary purpose of influencing their behaviour, rather than for therapeutic or safety reasons such as a seatbelt.

Physical restraint

Using physical force to prevent, restrict or subdue movement of a person's body, or part of it, for the primary purpose of influencing their behaviour.

Environmental restraint

Restricting a person's free access to all parts of their environment, including items or activities.

What the NDIS rules require

Using regulated restrictive practices under the NDIS

  • Regulated restrictive practices can only be used as a last resort, in response to risk of harm, and as the least restrictive option.
  • Their use must be part of a behaviour support plan developed by an NDIS behaviour support practitioner who has been found suitable by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
  • Each use must follow the authorisation process (or consent arrangements) in the state or territory where the person lives.
  • Providers using them must be registered with the NDIS Commission and report their use regularly. Any unauthorised use is a reportable incident.
  • Every plan should include strategies to reduce and, wherever possible, eliminate the use of restrictive practices over time.

This page is a general guide. Always check the current NDIS Commission guidance and the rules in your state or territory.

State and territory authorisation

Restrictive practices authorisation in your state or territory

Authorisation is managed by each state and territory, so the process depends on where the person lives.

How ConnectFirst™ can help

Reducing restrictive practices with training and supervision

Restrictive practices training

Self-paced courses on our Training Platform covering regulated restrictive practices, reduction strategies and your obligations under the NDIS rules.

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Clinical supervision

Reflective 1:1 and group supervision with a Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner to plan for reduction and elimination, and think through complex situations.

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Become a Behaviour Support Practitioner

Our Six-Week Intensive builds the skills to write behaviour support plans that meet the NDIS requirements, including restrictive practices.

See the Six-Week Intensive →

Behaviour support for families

Worried about restrictive practices being used with your child or family member? Make a referral to talk with one of our practitioners.

Make a referral →
Resources

Trusted resources

Official guidance and reputable organisations we recommend. Links open the source website.

Frequently asked questions

Regulated restrictive practices: FAQs

What are regulated restrictive practices?

Under the NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018, five types of restrictive practice are regulated: seclusion, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, physical restraint and environmental restraint.

Who can write a behaviour support plan that includes restrictive practices?

A behaviour support plan that includes regulated restrictive practices must be developed by an NDIS behaviour support practitioner who has been found suitable by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Does a restrictive practice need to be authorised?

Yes. Its use must follow the authorisation or consent process in the state or territory where the person lives, as well as being included in their behaviour support plan.

What is the aim of a behaviour support plan with restrictive practices?

To meet the person's needs and reduce the risk of harm in the least restrictive way, with clear strategies to reduce and, wherever possible, eliminate the use of restrictive practices over time.

Do you offer restrictive practices training?

Yes. Our Training Platform includes self-paced courses on regulated restrictive practices and reduction strategies, and our clinical supervision supports practitioners working with restrictive practices.