What are regulated restrictive practices?

A law document with a restrictive practices icon next to it.

When restrictive practices are regulated, it means there are rules about how people use them.

If providers use regulated restrictive practices, they must follow the rules:

A policy document with a restrictive practices icon on it. There is a tick next to the document.

  • in our policy

A group of people behind a bench that has 'NDIS Commission' printed on the front.

  • the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) make.

A person with disability pointing to themself with their other hand raised. Above them is a safety icon.

The NDIS Commission makes sure people with disability who take part in the NDIS:

  • are safe
  • get good services.

A justice scales icon and a person holding 2 thumbs up.

These rules help to protect the rights of people with disability.

A law document with the number '5' on it, and a restrictive practices icon next to it.

There are 5 different types of regulated restrictive practices.

Seclusion

A person on their own in a room looking out a window. Next to them is a lock icon.

Seclusion is when a person has to stay alone in a room or space.

A person with a thought bubble that has a padlock in it.

This includes when they:

  • can’t leave

or

  • feel like they can’t leave.

2. Chemical restraint

A person giving someone else some medication.

Chemical restraint is when someone uses medicine to change how a person acts.

It doesn’t include medicine that a doctor gives someone for an illness that they have.

For example, medicine they need for:

  • their mental health
  • a physical illness.

3. Physical restraint

A hand holding the wrist of another person so they cannot move.

Physical restraint is when someone holds:

  • a person’s whole body
  • part of their body.

A stop sign.

This is to try to stop the person from:

  • moving
  • doing something.

It doesn’t include quickly guiding a person away from danger.

4. Mechanical restraint

A hand with a strap around the wrist preventing it from moving.

Mechanical restraint is when someone uses equipment that stops a person moving.

It doesn’t include equipment that supports people.

5. Environmental restraint

Cupboard handles with a lock and chain around them.

Environmental restraint is when a person can’t:

  • use certain items
  • go to certain areas
  • take part in activities.