Registration process

Page content: Registering to operate an SRS | Step 1: Approval in Principle | Step 2: Registration of the premises and the proprietor | Step 3: Renewal of registration

Registering to operate an SRS

Before an SRS can operate, the premises must be registered with the Department of Health (DoH) and the business owner (proprietor) must be approved to be the holder of a Certificate of Registration allowing the proprietor to operate an SRS business from those premises.

The registration process involves:

Step 1: Approval in Principle (AIP)

• An AIP is needed to build new premises, to use existing premises or modify or extend existing premises, for use as an SRS.
• You must apply before beginning any works to build, modify or extend.
• The applicant can be a builder, developer, proposed proprietor or investor.

Documents for download

Staff roster template (25kb, excel)
AIP Guidelines (761kb, MS Word)
Schedule 2 form (21kb, MS Word)
Registration fees (12kb, pdf)
Information about obtaining a National Police Certificate (74kb, pdf)

Design Guidelines
Guidelines to promote appropriate design of an SRS to support the provision of care and comply with relevant codes, legislation and standards.

Supported Residential Services Design Guidelines Second Edition 1 July 2006 (599kb, pdf)

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Step 2: Registration of the premises and the proprietor

• Once an AIP is issued, the premises can be prepared. When they are nearly ready, the business operator (proprietor) applies for registration.
• The Department will assess if the proprietor is 'fit and proper' (as defined in the Health Services Act 1988 (available from the Victorian Law Today section of the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website)) and will look at the business plan and financial capacity.
• The premises will be inspected to make sure they comply with the plans approved at the AIP stage and are fully functional.
• If all is OK, the Department will register the premises and give the proprietor a Certificate of Registration permitting them to run an SRS from those premises.

This step applies to new businesses. If you are buying an existing SRS, refer to Transfer of Registration.

Documents for download

Staff roster template (25kb, excel)
Registration guidelines (671kb, MS Word)
Schedule 5 form (21kb, MS Word)
Resources and Information kit (124kb, pdf)
Registration fees (12kb, pdf)
Meeting the need (779kb, pdf)
Provides guidance to SRS proprietors on relevant legislation, standards and requirements for operating an SRS and provides for self-assessment.
Information about obtaining a National Police Certificate (74kb, pdf)

Step 3: Renewal of registration

• Registration is usually for two years.
• The proprietor must apply to DoH to renew the registration. It is best to apply at least three months before the registration expires otherwise additional fees apply.
• The department will consider again the suitability of the proprietor, their financial capacity and how they have complied with the Act, regulations and any conditions of the registration.

Documents for download

Renewal guidelines (295kb, MS Word)
Schedule 6 form (21kb, MS Word)
Registration fees (12kb, pdf)
Information about obtaining a National Police Certificate (74kb, pdf)

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