This week, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) has revoked Integrity Care SA’s registration and issued a banning order against it.
The ban follows the death of Ms Ann Marie Smith in appalling circumstances earlier this year arising from several breaches of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (NDIS Act).
Ms Smith was an NDIS participant with a longstanding service agreement with Integrity Care SA. According to ABC News, she died on April 6 from severe septic shock, organ failure, severe pressure sores, malnutrition and issues connected with her cerebral palsy.
Read more: Shocking cases of disability abuse and neglect come to light
Last week police charged Ms Smith's former carer, Rosemary Maione with manslaughter in relation to Ms Smith’s death. Ms Smith was 56 and lived alone in her home in Adelaide, relying solely on her carer for support.
What does this mean?
This announcement means Integrity Care SA can no longer provide NDIS-funded supports and services to any NDIS participants as a registered NDIS provider.
According to the NDIS Commission, the revocation takes effect on 14 August 2020, while the banning order will come into effect on 21 August 2020. This will allow the NDIS Commission to work with the NDIA, to support NDIS participants who have chosen to receive supports and services from Integrity Care to exercise their choice in determining and securing suitable alternative arrangements.
If you are an Integrity Care SA customer and wish to find a new provider, you can call our free Infoline on 1800 029 904 or search our online directory for different service providers.
At the time of writing, Integrity Care SA is still able to provide services to My Aged Care participants and to private customers.
What can I do if I am being abused or neglected or know or suspect someone else is?
You can and should report all suspected cases of abuse or neglect of people with disability. You can report it to the police or contact the National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline on 1800 880 052.
Read more: Reporting abuse of people with a disability
If you suspect or know an NDIS service provider is failing in its duty of care you can report it to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Call 1800 035 544 or visit www.ndiscommission.gov.au.
If life is in danger, call 000.
For 24-hour support call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
