Participant Support Procedures > Authorised Program Officer Procedures and Responsibilities
Authorised by Chief Executive Officer
Revised Date: 05 October 2023
Objective
The Authorised Program Officer (APO) ensures that any use of restrictive interventions or compulsory treatment for a person with a disability is used in accordance with the Disability Act 2006 (the Act) and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Framework, particularly the Standards that relate to Implementing Behaviour Support Plans.
Authorised Program Officers are responsible individuals chosen by the disability provider and trained appropriately.
Qualifications/suitability
The Office of the Senior Practitioner advises that the role of an APO is best met by a person who:
• Holds a senior position of authority within an organisation and wherever possible, is independent from the immediate operational management of the residence of the person who is subject to restrictive interventions.
• Has a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities of the APO as defined by the Act.
• Has knowledge of the environment in which it is proposed that a restrictive intervention or compulsory treatment order is to be applied to a person.
• Understands the purpose of BSP’s and has knowledge of key elements of an effective plan.
• Ensures restrictive interventions are reviewed on a regular basis by relevant professionals and that independent monitoring of restrictive interventions occurs.
Registering with RIDS and the NDIS Commission – eBusiness and PRODA
APO’s must be registered with the Office of Senior Practitioner (Vic) and will need digital access to the RIDs system via an eBusiness account.
They should also be registered to access the NDIS Commission via a PRODA account.
Procedures to access eBusiness, get a PRODA account and access the NDIS Commission are on Kyeema’s QMS under Portals.
Accessing and using the RIDS system
To use the RIDS system requires an eBusiness account with DFFH. Refer to the information under Portal button on the QMS, and the DFFH reference document eBusiness and Restrictive Intervention Data System Access.
Checking APO access by staff name
- Log into RIDs
- Go to Main Features in the green menu,
- hover over View System Records in the blue menu and
- select System Access Requests from the drop-down menu. Here you can search and filter using a variety of fields.
Removing Access
If Kyeema’s eBusiness Administrator wishes to remove someone’s access, search for them in the System Access Requests function, select them and deactivate their access.
You may also email the RIDS helpdesk if you want one or more people’s access to one or more service locations revoked – RIDS.HelpDesk@dffh.vic.gov.au
Related Policies, Procedures and Documents: