ARK Support Coordinators and My Plan Connect
Conflict of Interest Management Statement
ARK Support Coordinators is a privately-owned and NDIS-registered provider specialising in support coordination services for individuals with disabilities. My Plan Connect is a privately owned company providing disability support services. Despite their association, both entities operate independently to uphold service integrity and prevent conflicts of interest.
Managing Conflicts of Interest in Support Coordination and Disability Support Services
ARK Support Coordinators is dedicated to ensuring that support coordination services are free from actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest, particularly when clients are also engaging with My Plan Connect for disability support services.
To maintain independence, ARK Support Coordinators adhere to the following principles:
Separation of Services: ARK Support Coordinators will maintain a clear separation from My Plan Connect, ensuring that support coordination services are distinct and independent from the disability support services provided by My Plan Connect.
Disclosure and Transparency: Clients utilizing both ARK Support Coordinators and My Plan Connect will be fully informed about the relationship between the two entities. This ensures that clients understand their rights and the nature of the affiliation.
Providing Multiple Options: When referring clients to disability support services, ARK Support Coordinators will present multiple options if available, including but not limited to My Plan Connect. This allows clients to make informed choices from a range of service providers.
Completion of Conflict of Interest Form: If My Plan Connect is identified as a suitable provider and chosen by the participant or their nominee for disability support services, ARK Support Coordinators will complete a Conflict of Interest Form. This form documents the relationship and affirms transparency between ARK and My Plan Connect.
When a conflict of interest issue arises between ARK Support Coordinators and My Plan Connect, coordinators will:
Inform the Client: Clearly communicate the existing relationship between ARK Support Coordinators and My Plan Connect.
Provide Multiple Options: Offer the client several options for disability support services, ensuring they can choose from different providers.
Document the Choice: If the client or their nominee selects My Plan Connect, complete a Conflict of Interest Form to record the decision and ensure transparency.
Referrals between ARK Support Coordinators & My Plan Connect Staff
My Plan Connect staff can refer participants to ARK Support Coordinators for support coordination when appropriate. Conversely, ARK Support Coordinators may refer clients to My Plan Connect for disability support services, under the conditions that:
Full Disclosure: The relationship between ARK and My Plan Connect is fully disclosed to the client.
Alternative Options: Clients are provided with alternative options for disability support services in addition to My Plan Connect.
Conflict of Interest Form: A Conflict of Interest Form is completed if My Plan Connect is chosen, ensuring the process is transparent.
Separation of Service Delivery Teams
To avoid conflicts of interest:
Operational Separation: Maintain distinct operational structures between ARK’s support coordination services and the disability support services offered by My Plan Connect.
Information Management: Use separate client management systems for support coordination and disability support services to protect client privacy and ensure confidentiality.
Documenting and Reporting
Employees of ARK Support Coordinators are responsible for accurately documenting and reporting any actual or perceived conflicts of interest in line with internal company policies. This includes the completion of the Conflict of Interest Form when necessary.
Responsibilities and Delegations
This statement applies to all employees, volunteers, and directors of ARK Support Coordinators.
Statement Context
Standards
National Standards for Disability Services (NSDS)
NDIS Practice Standards
Related Company Policies or Documents
Conflict of Interest Policy (Internal Document)
Code of Conduct