What Are Regulated Restrictive Practices?

Restrictive practices are interventions that limit a person’s rights or freedom of movement. Under the NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018, these practices are tightly regulated to protect participant safety and uphold human rights.

The Five Types of Regulated Restrictive Practices

  • Physical restraint – using physical force to prevent movement.
  • Chemical restraint – medication used primarily to influence behaviour.
  • Mechanical restraint – devices that restrict movement.
  • Environmental restraint – restricting access to areas or items.
  • Seclusion – isolating a person in a room or space.

Compliance Requirements

All regulated restrictive practices must be authorised, documented, reported, and paired with strategies to reduce and eliminate their use.