ARTICLE 2. Regional Center Responsibilities [4640. - 4659.2.]

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC 2.
in effect

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4640. Section 4640.

(a) Contracts between the department and regional centers shall specify the service area and the categories of persons that regional centers shall be expected to serve and the services and supports to be provided. (b) In order to ensure uniformity in the application of the definition of developmental disability contained in this division, the Director of Developmental Services shall, by March 1, 1977, issue regulations that delineate, by diagnostic category and degree of disability, those persons who are eligible for services and supports by regional centers. In issuing the regulations, the director shall invite and consider the views of regional center contracting agencies, the state council, and persons with a demonstrated and direct interest in developmental disabilities.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4640.6. Section 4640.6.

(a) In approving regional center contracts, the department shall ensure that regional center staffing patterns demonstrate that direct service coordination are the highest priority. (b) Contracts between the department and regional centers shall require that regional centers implement an emergency response system that ensures that a regional center staff person will respond to a consumer, or individual acting on behalf of a consumer, within two hours of the time an emergency call is placed. This emergency response system shall be operational 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. (c) Contracts between the department and regional centers shall require regional centers to have service coordinator-to-consumer ratios, as follows: (1) An average service coordinator-to-consumer ratio of 1 to 62 for all consumers who have not moved from the developmental centers to the community since April 14, 1993. In no case shall a service coordinator for these consumers have an assigned caseload in excess of 79 consumers for more than 60 days. (2) An average service coordinator-to-consumer ratio of 1 to 45 for all consumers who have moved from a developmental center to the community since April 14, 1993. In no case shall a service coordinator for these consumers have an assigned caseload in excess of 59 consumers for more than 60 days. (3) The following coordinator-to-consumer ratios shall apply: (A) All consumers enrolled in the Home and Community-based Services Waiver program for persons with developmental disabilities, an average service coordinator-to-consumer ratio of 1 to 62. (B) All consumers who have moved from a developmental center to the community since April 14, 1993, and have lived continuously in the community for at least 12 months, an average service coordinator-to-consumer ratio of 1 to 62. (C) All consumers who have not moved from the developmental centers to the community since April 14, 1993, and who are not described in subparagraph (A), an average service coordinator-to-consumer ratio of 1 to 66. (4) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive, an average service coordinator-to-consumer ratio of 1 to 40 for all consumers five years of age and younger. (5) (A) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive, enhanced service coordination, including a service coordinator-to-consumer ratio of 1 to 40, shall be available to consumers identified as having low or no purchase-of-service expenditures, as identified in the annual Budget Act. (B) Enhanced service coordination, including the coordinator-to-consumer ratio specified in this paragraph shall be available to specified consumers until one of the following criteria are met: (i) The family or consumer is no longer interested in receiving enhanced service coordination. (ii) All of the consumer’s identified service needs have been thoroughly explored and offered. (iii) All information and training were provided to the family and consumer and the consumer’s focused support goals were completed. (iv) The family or consumer feels confident that they can continue to receive the assistance they need to be successful without receiving enhanced service coordination. (C) For the purposes of this paragraph, “enhanced service coordination” may include, but is not limited to, all of the following: (i) Regular contact, via telephone or video, with consumers or their families. (ii) Maintaining no less than quarterly contact with consumers or their families. (iii) Having annual individual program plan or individual family service plan meetings. (6) (A) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive, an average service coordinator-to-consumer ratio of 1 to 25 for all consumers with complex needs. (B) The coordinator-to-consumer ratio specified in this paragraph shall not be authorized for a consumer for more than 12 months after the consumer is no longer receiving the services described in clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (C), after the consumer is no longer placed in a facility described in clause (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), or (viii) of subparagraph (C), or after the department has made the determination described in clause (ix) of subparagraph (C), unless an extension is granted. An extension shall be based on a new and complete comprehensive assessment of the consumer’s needs. An extension may be granted one time, and shall not exceed six months. (C) For the purposes of this paragraph, a “consumer with complex needs” means a consumer who is any of the following: (i) Receiving regional center-funded mobile crisis services by a department-approved vendor, or has received those services within the past six months. (ii) Receiving state-operated crisis assessment stabilization team services, or has received those services within the past six months. (iii) Placed in a community crisis home, as defined in Section 4698. (iv) Placed in an acute crisis home operated by the department, pursuant to Section 4418.7. (v) Placed in a locked psychiatric setting or has been placed in a locked psychiatric setting in the past six months. (vi) Placed in an institution for mental disease, as described in Part 5 (commencing with Section 5900) of Division 5. (vii) Placed out of state as a result of appropriate services being unavailable within the state, pursuant to Section 4519. (viii) Placed in a county jail and eligible for diversion pursuant to Chapter 2.8 (commencing with Section 1001.20) of Title 6 of Part 2 of the Penal Code or found incompetent to stand trial as described in Section 1370.1 of the Penal Code. (ix) A person the department has determined cannot be safely served in a developmental center, as described in Section 6510.5. (7) For purposes of paragraph (3), service coordinators may have a mixed caseload of consumers three years of age and younger, consumers enrolled in the Home and Community-based Services Waiver program for persons with developmental disabilities, and other consumers if the overall average caseload is weighted proportionately to ensure that overall regional center average service coordinator-to-consumer ratios as specified in paragraph (3) are met. For purposes of paragraph (3), in no case shall a service coordinator have an assigned caseload in excess of 84 for more than 60 days. (d) For purposes of this section, “service coordinator” means a regional center employee whose primary responsibility includes preparing, implementing, and monitoring consumers’ individual program plans, securing and coordinating consumer services and supports, and providing placement and monitoring activities. (e) In order to ensure that caseload ratios are maintained pursuant to this section, each regional center shall provide service coordinator caseload data to the department, annually for each fiscal year. The data shall be submitted in the format, including the content, prescribed by the department. Within 30 days of receipt of data submitted pursuant to this subdivision, the department shall make a summary of the data available to the public upon request. The department shall verify the accuracy of the data when conducting regional center fiscal audits. Data submitted by regional centers pursuant to this subdivision shall: (1) Only include data on service coordinator positions as defined in subdivision (d). Regional centers shall identify the number of positions that perform service coordinator duties on less than a full-time basis. Staffing ratios reported pursuant to this subdivision shall reflect the appropriate proportionality of these staff to consumers served. (2) Be reported separately for service coordinators whose caseload includes any of the following: (A) Consumers who are three years of age and older and who have not moved from the developmental center to the community since April 14, 1993. (B) Consumers who have moved from a developmental center to the community since April 14, 1993. (C) Consumers who are younger than three years of age. (D) Consumers enrolled in the Home and Community-based Services Waiver program. (3) Not include positions that are vacant for more than 60 days or new positions established within 60 days of the reporting month that are still vacant. (4) For purposes of calculating caseload ratios for consumers enrolled in the Home and Community-based Services Waiver program, vacancies shall not be included in the calculations. (f) The department shall provide technical assistance and require a plan of correction for any regional center that, for two consecutive reporting periods, fails to maintain service coordinator caseload ratios required by this section or otherwise demonstrates an inability to maintain appropriate staffing patterns pursuant to this section. Plans of correction shall be developed following input from the state council, local organizations representing consumers, family members, regional center employees, including recognized labor organizations, and service providers, and other interested parties. (g) Each time that new funds are appropriated in the annual Budget Act to the department for allocation to regional centers with the stated purpose of reducing caseload ratios, both of the following shall occur: (1) Each regional center shall hold at least one public meeting during that year to receive stakeholder input to help inform the way the regional center allocates new positions funded through the allocation to that regional center. Stakeholders may include the state council, local organizations representing consumers, family members, community-based organizations that represent the ethnic and language diversity of the regional center catchment area, regional center employees, including recognized labor organizations and service providers, and other interested parties. The public meeting required by this paragraph fulfills a regional center’s requirement under subdivision (f) to gather input regarding its plan of correction if the plan of correction is discussed during the meeting. (2) On or before October 10 of the year of the appropriation of funds, and again by March 10 of that fiscal year, and in a format prescribed by the department, each regional center shall report the following information to the department: (A) The number of new service coordinator positions created with the funds allocated to reduce caseload ratios. (B) Data on current caseload ratios as of March 1 and October 1, respectively. (C) Any other information determined by the department. (3) The department shall post the information required to be reported by a regional center pursuant to paragraph (2) on its internet website. (h) Contracts between the department and regional center shall require the regional center to have, or contract for, all of the following areas: (1) Criminal justice expertise to assist the regional center in providing services and supports to consumers involved in the criminal justice system as a victim, defendant, inmate, or parolee. (2) Special education expertise to assist the regional center in providing advocacy and support to families seeking appropriate educational services from a school district. (3) Family support expertise to assist the regional center in maximizing the effectiveness of support and services provided to families. (4) Housing expertise to assist the regional center in accessing affordable housing for consumers in independent or supportive living arrangements. (5) Community integration expertise to assist consumers and families in accessing integrated services and supports and improved opportunities to participate in community life. (6) Quality assurance expertise, to assist the regional center to provide the necessary coordination and cooperation with the state council, in conducting quality-of-life assessments and coordinating the regional center quality assurance efforts. (7) Each regional center shall employ at least one consumer advocate who is a person with developmental disabilities. (8) Other staffing arrangements related to the delivery of services that the department determines are necessary to ensure maximum cost-effectiveness and to ensure that the service needs of consumers and families are met. (9) Implicit bias training, pursuant to Section 4511.1, to increase service access and equity in the developmental services system. (10) Language access and cultural competency services and support, pursuant to Section 4620.4, to allow consistent access to information and services and to advance person-centered health and human services equity outcomes toward the diminishment of racial, ethnic, and other disparities. (i) Any regional center proposing a staffing arrangement that substantially deviates from the requirements of this section shall request a waiver from the department. Prior to granting a waiver, the department shall require a detailed staffing proposal, including, but not limited to, how the proposed staffing arrangement will benefit consumers and families served, and shall demonstrate clear and convincing support for the proposed staffing arrangement from constituencies served and impacted, that include, but are not limited to, consumers, families, providers, advocates, and recognized labor organizations. In addition, the regional center shall submit to the department any written opposition to the proposal from organizations or individuals, including, but not limited to, consumers, families, providers, and advocates, including recognized labor organizations. The department may grant waivers to regional centers that sufficiently demonstrate that the proposed staffing arrangement is in the best interest of consumers and families served, complies with the requirements of this chapter, and does not violate any contractual requirements. A waiver shall be approved by the department for up to 12 months, at which time a regional center may submit a new request pursuant to this subdivision. (j) From February 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010, inclusive, the following shall not apply: (1) The service coordinator-to-consumer ratio requirements of paragraph (1), and subparagraph (C) of paragraph (3), of subdivision (c). (2) The requirements of subdivision (e). The regional centers shall, instead, maintain sufficient service coordinator caseload data to document compliance with the service coordinator-to-consumer ratio requirements in effect pursuant to this section. (3) The requirements of paragraphs (1) to (6), inclusive, of subdivision (h). (k) From July 1, 2010, until June 30, 2013, the following shall not apply: (1) The service coordinator-to-consumer ratio requirements of paragraph (1), and subparagraph (C) of paragraph (3), of subdivision (c). (2) The requirements of paragraphs (1) to (6), inclusive, of subdivision (h). ( l ) (1) Any contract between the department and a regional center entered into on and after January 1, 2003, shall require that all employment contracts entered into with regional center staff or contractors be available to the public for review, upon request. For purposes of this subdivision, an employment contract or portion thereof may not be deemed confidential nor unavailable for public review. (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the social security number of the contracting party may not be disclosed. (3) The term of the employment contract between the regional center and an employee or contractor shall not exceed the term of the state’s contract with the regional center.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4640.7. Section 4640.7.

(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that regional centers assist persons with developmental disabilities and their families in securing those services and supports which maximize opportunities and choices for living, working, learning, and recreating in the community. (b) Each regional center design shall reflect the maximum cost-effectiveness possible and shall be based on a service coordination model, in which each consumer shall have a designated service coordinator who is responsible for providing or ensuring that needed services and supports are available to the consumer. Regional centers shall examine the differing levels of coordination services needed by consumers and families in order to establish varying caseload ratios within the regional center which will best meet those needs of their consumers.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4640.8. Section 4640.8.

When convening any task force or advisory group, a regional center shall make its best effort to ensure representation by consumers and family members representing the community’s multicultural diversity.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4640.9. Section 4640.9.

Beginning July 1, 2020, each regional center shall provide to the department a copy of any corrective action plans and sanctions issued to a service provider, which shall include the name of the service provider, the type of action taken, and the date of action. Copies of corrective action plans and sanctions shall be submitted quarterly, no later than 45 days following the end of each fiscal quarter. The department shall provide a copy of all corrective action plans and sanctions to the protection and advocacy agency specified in Division 4.7 (commencing with Section 4900) within 30 days of its request. The department shall consult with regional centers and the protection and advocacy agency on the process for increasing consumer and family access to the information contained in corrective action plans and sanctions.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4641. Section 4641.

All regional centers shall conduct casefinding activities, including notification of availability of service in English and such other languages as may be appropriate to the service area, outreach services in areas with a high incidence of developmental disabilities, and identification of persons who may need service.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4641.1. Section 4641.1.

(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (1) The provision of services that are culturally and linguistically responsive to consumers is instrumental to improving access and equity in the developmental services system. (2) Direct service professionals are critical to the provision of services and supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. (3) In recognition of the value of effective communication between direct service professionals and the consumers and families they serve, the provision of a pay differential for bilingual and multilingual direct service professionals will increase consumer access to staff who speak their preferred language. (b) The department, subject to an appropriation, shall establish and implement a system that promotes equity in access to services for regional center consumers by providing a pay differential to direct service professionals who can communicate in a language or medium other than English as part of their regular job duties. (c) Notwithstanding any other law, a direct service professional described in subdivision (b) is eligible for a bilingual or multilingual differential if both of the following conditions are met: (1) The duties currently assigned to the direct service professional require regular communication in a language or medium other than English with an individual that has a developmental disability, and when appropriate, their families. (2) The direct service professional passes an examination certifying their ability to communicate in the language or medium other than English. (3) For the purpose of this section, “medium other than English” includes, but is not limited to, American Sign Language and other sign languages and augmentative and alternative communication. (d) The department may adopt emergency regulations to implement this section. The adoption, amendment, repeal, or readoption of a regulation authorized by this section is deemed to be necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, or general welfare, for purposes of Sections 11346.1 and 11349.6 of the Government Code. The department is exempted from the requirement that it describe specific facts showing the need for immediate action. (e) Prior to implementation, the department shall provide a report to the Legislature detailing its plan to implement a wage differential for bilingual and multilingual staff.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4641.5. Section 4641.5.

(a) Effective July 1, 2011, regional centers shall begin transitioning all vendors of all regional center services to electronic billing for services purchased through a regional center. All vendors and contracted providers shall submit all billings electronically for services provided on or after July 1, 2012, with the exception of the following: (1) A vendor or provider whose services are paid for by vouchers, as that term is defined in subdivision (i) of Section 4512. (2) A vendor or provider who demonstrates that submitting billings electronically for services presents a substantial financial hardship for the provider. (b) For purposes of this section, “electronic billing” is defined as the Regional Center e-Billing System Web application provided by the department.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4642. Section 4642.

(a) (1) Any person believed to have a developmental disability, and any person believed to have a high risk of parenting a developmentally disabled infant shall be eligible for initial intake and assessment services in the regional centers. In addition, any infant having a high risk of becoming developmentally disabled may be eligible for initial intake and assessment services in the regional centers. For purposes of this section, “high-risk infant” means a child less than 36 months of age whose genetic, medical, or environmental history is predictive of a substantially greater risk for developmental disability than that for the general population. The department, in consultation with the State Department of Public Health, shall develop specific risk and service criteria for the high-risk infant program on or before July 1, 1983. These criteria may be modified in subsequent years based on analysis of actual clinical experience. (2) Initial intake shall be performed within 15 working days following request for assistance. Initial intake shall include, but need not be limited to, information and advice about the nature and availability of services provided by the regional center and by other agencies in the community, including guardianship, conservatorship, income maintenance, mental health, housing, education, work activity and vocational training, medical, dental, recreational, and other services or programs that may be useful to persons with developmental disabilities or their families. Intake shall also include a decision to provide assessment. (3) Commencing on January 1, 2025, the regional center shall take the following actions by the end of the 15-day initial intake period described in paragraph (2): (A) Either of the following actions: (i) Determine if the individual is eligible for regional center services. (ii) Determine if the regional center will initiate the assessment specified in Section 4643. (B) Inform the individual requesting intake of the regional center’s action. (C) If the regional center determines that the individual is not eligible for regional center services, or that the regional center is not initiating the assessment specified in Section 4643, provide the individual requesting intake and, if appropriate, the individual’s parents, legal guardian or conservator, or authorized representative, with adequate notice as required by Section 4710. (4) (A) The department shall create, with input from stakeholders, standardized information packets to be provided to any person seeking services from a regional center. There shall be one information packet related to services provided under the California Early Intervention Services Act and another information packet related to services provided under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. The information packets shall be translated to provide language access, as required by state and federal law, shall be available in alternative formats and alternative modes of communication, as required by federal law, and shall include, at a minimum, all of the following: (i) An overview of the regional center system. (ii) A resource guide for consumers and their families. (iii) Consumer rights. (iv) Contact information for the regional center, the department, the office of clients’ rights advocacy, and the protection and advocacy agency specified in Division 4.7 (commencing with Section 4900). (B) Each regional center shall distribute the information packets at intake, upon transfer to receiving services under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, and upon request. Each regional center shall begin distributing the information packets within 60 days following the department providing the information packets and issuing directives regarding the distribution of the information packets. In addition to, and not in lieu of, this requirement, each regional center shall post the full content of the most updated information packet on its internet website. (b) A regional center shall communicate with the consumer and the consumer’s family pursuant to this section in their preferred language, including providing alternative communication services and alternative formats, as required by state and federal law.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4643. Section 4643.

(a) If assessment is needed, the assessment shall be performed within 120 days following initial intake. Assessment shall be performed as soon as possible and in no event more than 60 days following initial intake where any delay would expose the client to unnecessary risk to his or her health and safety or to significant further delay in mental or physical development, or the client would be at imminent risk of placement in a more restrictive environment. Assessment may include collection and review of available historical diagnostic data, provision or procurement of necessary tests and evaluations, and summarization of developmental levels and service needs and is conditional upon receipt of the release of information specified in subdivision (b). (b) In determining if an individual meets the definition of developmental disability contained in subdivision (a) of Section 4512, the regional center may consider evaluations and tests, including, but not limited to, intelligence tests, adaptive functioning tests, neurological and neuropsychological tests, diagnostic tests performed by a physician, psychiatric tests, and other tests or evaluations that have been performed by, and are available from, other sources. (c) At the time of assessment, the individual, or, where appropriate, the parents, legal guardian, or conservator, shall provide copies of any health benefit cards under which the consumer is eligible to receive health benefits, including, but not limited to, private health insurance, a health care service plan, Medi-Cal, Medicare, and TRICARE. If the individual, or where appropriate, the parents, legal guardians, or conservators, have no such benefits, the regional center shall not use that fact to negatively impact the services that the individual may or may not receive from the regional center. (d) A regional center shall communicate with the consumer and his or her family pursuant to this section in their native language, including providing alternative communication services, as required by Sections 11135 to 11139.7, inclusive, of the Government Code and implementing regulations.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4643.3. Section 4643.3.

(a) (1) On or before April 1, 2002, the department shall develop evaluation and diagnostic procedures for the diagnosis of autism disorder and other autistic spectrum disorders. (2) The department shall publish or arrange for the publication of the evaluation and diagnostic procedures required by paragraph (1). The published evaluation and diagnostic procedures shall be available to the public. (b) The department shall develop a training program for regional center clinical staff in the utilization of diagnostic procedures for the diagnosis of autism disorder. The training program shall be implemented on or before July 1, 2002.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4643.5. Section 4643.5.

(a) If a consumer is, or has been determined to be, eligible or provisionally eligible for services by a regional center, the consumer shall also be considered eligible or provisionally eligible by any other regional center if the consumer has moved to another location within the state. (b) An individual who is determined by any regional center to have a developmental disability or to be provisionally eligible shall remain eligible for services from regional centers unless a regional center, following a comprehensive reassessment, concludes that the original determination is clearly erroneous. (c) Whenever a consumer transfers from one regional center catchment area to another, the level and types of services and supports specified in the consumer’s individual program plan (IPP) shall be authorized and secured, if available, pending the development of a new IPP for the consumer. If these services and supports do not exist, the regional center shall convene a meeting to develop a new IPP within 30 days. Prior to approval of the new IPP, the regional center shall provide alternative services and supports that best meet the IPP objectives in the least restrictive setting. The department shall develop guidelines that describe the responsibilities of regional centers in ensuring a smooth transition of services and supports from one regional center to another, including, but not limited to, pretransferring planning and a dispute resolution process to resolve disagreements between regional centers regarding their responsibilities related to the transfer of case management services. (d) (1) The following procedures shall apply to a consumer who is transferred from one regional center’s catchment area to a different catchment area and meets any of the following conditions: (A) The consumer has an order for foster care placement. (B) The consumer is awaiting foster care placement. (C) The consumer is placed in out-of-home care through voluntary placement as defined in subdivision (o) of Section 11400. (2) (A) The county social worker or county probation officer shall immediately send a notice of relocation to the consumer’s regional center of origin, which is the sending regional center, regarding a consumer who meets the criteria set forth in paragraph (1). The consumer’s court-appointed attorney may also provide written notice of relocation. The notice of relocation shall be deemed received when the sending regional center receives written notice of relocation. (B) Upon receiving the notice of relocation, the sending regional center shall immediately send a notice of transfer, and records needed for the planning process, including, but not limited to, the current IPP or individualized family services plan (IFSP), assessments, contact information for the consumer, the caregiver, the consumer's legal guardian, the current developmental services decisionmaker, and the current educational rights holder, by priority mail, facsimile, or email, to the receiving regional center, which is the regional center in the catchment area that the child will be transferred to. (C) (i) The receiving regional center shall provide the sending regional center with contact information for a staff member who is available to confer with the planning team at the sending regional center regarding the types of services and providers available to address the service needs of the consumer in the consumer’s new residential location. (ii) Within 14 days of the notice of transfer, the receiving regional center shall provide the sending regional center with information regarding appropriate vendors and services to meet the needs of the consumer. (iii) The sending regional center shall confer with the planning team and, using information provided by the receiving regional center, determine whether changes to the current IPP or IFSP are needed to meet the service needs of the consumer in the new residential location. (iv) Prior to transfer of case management, the sending regional center shall ensure that services needed to support the consumer in the new residential location are included in the IPP or IFSP and the consumer is receiving the services and supports listed in the new or revised IPP or IFSP. (3) (A) In the case of a consumer receiving services under this division, notwithstanding subdivision (g) of Section 4646, the sending regional center shall make every reasonable effort to initiate services, as provided for in the consumer’s current IPP, as soon as possible following the notice of transfer to a new catchment area, but no later than 30 days from the date of notice of transfer. Efforts shall begin in advance of the IPP meeting. If all services identified in the consumer’s IPP have not been initiated within 30 calendar days of the notice of transfer, the regional center shall report to the court of jurisdiction as described in subparagraph (B). (B) If all services identified in the consumer’s IPP have not been initiated within 30 calendar days after the notice of transfer, the sending regional center shall report in writing to the court, the county social worker or probation officer, as applicable, and the developmental services decisionmaker, all services that are being provided to the consumer, and the process to secure any additional services that have been identified in the consumer’s IPP but not yet initiated. If all services identified in the consumer’s IPP have not been initiated within 30 days, the regional center shall report in writing to the court, county social worker, probation officer, as applicable, and the developmental services decisionmaker at 30-day intervals until all services are initiated. (C) (i) Services shall continue to be provided pursuant to subparagraph (A), pending the court’s appointment of a developmental services decisionmaker, pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 319, subdivision (a) of Section 361, or subdivision (b) of Section 726. (ii) If the regional center is unable to obtain confirmation of the parent’s, guardian’s, or current developmental services decisionmaker’s participation in the IPP meeting, the regional center shall notify the court having jurisdiction, the county placing agency, and the consumer’s attorney that the appointment of a new developmental services decisionmaker may be necessary. (4) In the case of a consumer receiving services under the California Early Intervention Program pursuant to Title 14 (commencing with Section 95000) of the Government Code, the following procedures shall apply: (A) The sending regional center shall make every reasonable effort to initiate services, as provided for in the consumer’s current IFSP, as soon as possible following the notice of transfer but no later than 30 calendar days from the date of notice of transfer. Efforts shall begin in advance of the IFSP meeting. If all services identified in the consumer’s IFSP have not been initiated within 30 calendar days of the notice of transfer, the regional center shall report to the court of jurisdiction as described in subparagraph (B). (B) If all services identified in the consumer’s IFSP have not been initiated within 30 calendar days of the notice of transfer, the sending regional center shall report in writing to the court, the county social worker or probation officer, as applicable, and the educational rights holder, all services that are being provided to the consumer, and the process to secure any additional services that have been identified in the consumer’s IFSP but not initiated. If all services identified in the consumer’s IFSP have not been initiated within 30 days, the regional center shall report in writing to the court, county social worker, probation officer, as applicable, and the educational rights holder at 30-day intervals until all services are initiated. (C) (i) Services not requiring consent shall continue to be provided pursuant to subparagraph (A) pending the court’s appointment of an educational rights holder, pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 319, subdivision (a) of Section 361, or subdivision (b) of Section 726. (ii) If the regional center is unable to obtain confirmation of the parent’s, guardian’s, or current educational rights holder participation in the IFSP meeting, the regional center shall notify the court of jurisdiction, the county placing agency, and the consumer’s attorney that the appointment of a new educational rights holder may be necessary. (e) For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply: (1) “Consumer” refers to individuals as defined in Section 4512 and any eligible infant or toddler, as defined in Section 95014 of the Government Code. (2) “Initiation of services” means the point at which the consumer begins to receive a particular service and may include assessment procedures for services, if necessary, if those services begin immediately following the completion of the assessment. (3) “Notice of relocation” means a written notice informing a regional center that currently serves a consumer described in subdivision (d) that the consumer has been relocated to a foster home that is located in a catchment area that is not served by that regional center. “Notice of relocation” includes, at a minimum, the following information: (A) The consumer’s name, date of birth, and current address. (B) The name of the consumer’s caregiver. (C) The court of jurisdiction. (D) The name of, and contact information for, the consumer’s educational rights holder or developmental services decisionmaker, if applicable. (E) The name of, and contact information for, any person who may provide authorization and consent for the release of the consumer’s regional center records or vendor assessment records, or both. (4) “Notice of transfer” means a written notice that a consumer described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) is transferring from a regional center located in one catchment area to a regional center located in a different catchment area and includes, at a minimum, the following information: (A) The consumer’s name and date of birth. (B) The name of, and contact information for, the consumer’s parent, or the consumer’s educational rights holder or developmental services decisionmaker, if applicable. (C) The name of, and contact information for, the consumer’s current caregiver. (D) A copy of the consumer’s current IFSP or IPP. (E) The name of, and contact information for, the child’s county social workers.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4644. Section 4644.

(a) In addition to any person eligible for initial intake or assessment services, regional centers may cause to be provided preventive services to any potential parent requesting these services and who is determined to be at high risk of parenting a developmentally disabled infant, or, at the request of the parent or guardian, to any infant at high risk of becoming developmentally disabled. It is the intent of the Legislature that preventive services shall be given equal priority with all other basic regional center services. These services shall, inasmuch as feasible, be provided by appropriate generic agencies, including, but not limited to, county departments of health, perinatal centers, and genetic centers. The department shall implement operating procedures to ensure that prevention activities are funded from regional center purchase of service funds only when funding for these services is unavailable from local generic agencies. In no case, shall regional center funds be used to supplant funds budgeted by any agency which has a responsibility to provide prevention services to the general public. (b) For purposes of this section, “generic agency” means any agency which has a legal responsibility to serve all members of the general public and which is receiving public funds for providing such services.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4646. Section 4646.

(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the individual program plan and provision of services and supports by the regional center system is centered on the individual and the family of the individual with developmental disabilities and takes into account the needs and preferences of the individual and the family, if appropriate. It is further the intent of the Legislature that the individual program plan be developed using a person-centered approach that reflects the needs and preferences of the consumer, and, as appropriate, their family. The services and supports provided by the regional center should assist each consumer in achieving their personal outcomes and life goals and promote inclusion in their community. It is the further intent of the Legislature to ensure that the provision of services to consumers and their families be effective in meeting the goals stated in the individual program plan, reflect the preferences and choices of the consumer, and reflect the cost-effective use of public resources. (b) The individual program plan is developed through a process of individualized needs determination. The individual with developmental disabilities and, if appropriate, the individual’s parents, legal guardian or conservator, or authorized representative, shall have the opportunity to actively participate in the development of the plan. (c) An individual program plan shall be developed for any person who, following intake and assessment, is found to be eligible for regional center services. These plans shall be completed within 60 days of the completion of the assessment. At the time of intake, the regional center shall inform the consumer and, if appropriate, the consumer’s parents, legal guardian or conservator, or authorized representative, of the services available through the state council and the protection and advocacy agency designated by the Governor pursuant to federal law, and shall provide the address and telephone numbers of those agencies. (d) Individual program plans shall be prepared jointly by the planning team. Decisions concerning the consumer’s goals, objectives, and services and supports that will be included in the consumer’s individual program plan and purchased by the regional center or obtained from generic agencies shall be made by agreement between the regional center representative and the consumer or, if appropriate, the parents, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative at the program plan meeting. (e) Regional centers shall comply with the request of a consumer or, if appropriate, the request of the consumer’s parents, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative, that a designated representative receive written notice of all meetings to develop or revise the individual program plan and of all notices sent to the consumer pursuant to Section 4710. The designated representative may be a parent or family member. (f) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, a meeting regarding the provision of services and supports by the regional center, including a meeting to develop or revise the individual program plan, shall be held by remote electronic communications if requested by the consumer or, if appropriate, if requested by the consumer’s parents, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative. (2) (A) If the regional center has not held an in-person individual program plan meeting or completed any other in-person meeting or visit with the consumer in the previous 12 months, the regional center shall hold an in-person individual program plan meeting or other meeting or visit at a location and at a time that is convenient for, and reflects the preference of, the consumer, and, as appropriate, their parent, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative. This requirement on the part of the regional center shall not impede, delay, or prevent the timely development or revision of an individual program plan, or the timely authorization or receipt of services and supports. (B) The in-person meeting requirement established in this paragraph shall remain in effect pending the department’s review, in coordination with stakeholders, of implementation of this subdivision, as amended by the act that added this paragraph. The review shall include the development of recommendations that may include, but not be limited to, whether and to what extent the in-person requirements are effective in assisting the consumer in meeting the goals stated in the individual program plan, in positively facilitating and improving service access and equity, and in helping to build relationships between service coordinators and parents, legal guardians, conservators, or authorized representatives. The department shall, after consulting with and receiving input from stakeholders, provide an update to the Legislature on the status of the review no later than January 10, 2026 and shall provide, with any additional consultation and documented input from stakeholders, the completed review to the Legislature no later than May 14, 2026. (g) At the conclusion of an individual program plan meeting, an authorized representative of the regional center shall provide to the consumer, in written or electronic format, a list of the agreed-upon services and supports, and, if known, the projected start date, the frequency and duration of the services and supports, and the provider. The authorized representative of the regional center shall sign the list of agreed-upon services and supports at that time. The consumer, or if appropriate, the consumer’s parent, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative shall sign the list of agreed-upon services and supports prior to its implementation. The consumer, or if appropriate, the consumer’s parent, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative, may elect to delay receipt of the list of agreed-upon services and supports pending final agreement, as described in subdivision (h). If the consumer, or if appropriate, the consumer’s parent, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative, elects to delay the receipt of the list of agreed-upon services and supports for 15 days, the list shall be provided in the preferred language of the consumer, or of the consumer’s parent, legal guardian, or authorized representative. (h) If a final agreement regarding the services and supports to be provided to the consumer cannot be reached at a program plan meeting, then a subsequent program plan meeting shall be convened within 15 days, or later at the request of the consumer or, if appropriate, the parents, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative or if agreed to by the planning team. The list of the agreed-upon services and supports described in subdivision (g) and signed by the authorized representative of the regional center shall be provided, in writing or electronically, at the conclusion of the subsequent program plan meeting, and shall be provided in the preferred language of the consumer, or of the consumer’s parent, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative. Additional program plan meetings may be held with the agreement of the regional center representative and the consumer or, if appropriate, the parents, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative. (i) An authorized representative of the regional center and the consumer or, if appropriate, the consumer’s parent, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative shall sign the individual program plan and the list of the agreed-upon services and supports prior to its implementation. If the consumer or, if appropriate, the consumer’s parent, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative, does not agree with all components of the individual program plan, the consumer may indicate that disagreement on the plan. Disagreement with specific plan components shall not prohibit the implementation of services and supports agreed to by the consumer or, if appropriate, the consumer’s parent, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative. If the consumer or, if appropriate, the consumer’s parent, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative, does not agree with the plan in whole or in part, the consumer shall be sent written notice of their appeal rights, as required by Sections 4701 and 4710. (j) (1) A regional center shall communicate in the consumer’s preferred language, or, if appropriate, the preferred language of the consumer’s family, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative, during the planning process for the individual program plan, including during the program plan meeting, and including providing alternative communication services, as required by Sections 11135 to 11139, inclusive, of the Government Code and implementing regulations. (2) A regional center shall provide alternative communication services, including providing copies of the list of services and supports, and the individual program plan in the preferred language of the consumer or the consumer’s family, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative, or both, as required by Sections 11135 to 11139, inclusive, of the Government Code and implementing regulations. (3) The preferred language of the consumer or the consumer’s family, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative, or both, shall be documented in the individual program plan.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4646.4. Section 4646.4.

(a) Regional centers shall ensure, at the time of development, scheduled review, or modification of a consumer’s individual program plan developed pursuant to Sections 4646 and 4646.5, or of an individualized family service plan pursuant to Section 95020 of the Government Code, the establishment of an internal process. This internal process shall ensure adherence with federal and state law and regulation, and if purchasing services and supports, shall ensure all of the following: (1) Conformance with the regional center’s purchase of service policies, as approved by the department pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 4434. (2) Utilization of generic services and supports if appropriate, in accordance with all of the following: (A) The individualized family service planning team for infants and toddlers eligible under Section 95014 of the Government Code may determine that a medical service identified in the individualized family service plan is not available within 60 calendar days through the family’s private health insurance policy or health care service plan or under the Medi-Cal program and therefore, in compliance with the timely provision of service requirements contained in Part 303 (commencing with Section 303.1) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations, will be authorized for purchase-of-service funding by the regional center. (B) The individual program plan team under Section 4646 may determine that a medical service identified in the individual program plan is not available within 60 calendar days through the family’s private health insurance policy or health care service plan or under the Medi-Cal program and therefore, in compliance with paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 4659, will be authorized for purchase-of-service funding by the regional center. (C) For purposes of this paragraph, a regional center shall authorize the provision of medical services through the purchase of services during any plan delays, including the appeals process. (3) (A) Utilization of other services and sources of funding as contained in Section 4659. (B) For purposes of this paragraph, a regional center shall authorize the provision of medical or dental services through the purchase of services during any plan delays, including the appeals process. (4) Consideration of the family’s responsibility for providing similar services and supports for a minor child without disabilities in identifying the consumer’s service and support needs as provided in the least restrictive and most appropriate setting. In this determination, regional centers shall take into account the consumer’s need for extraordinary care, services, supports and supervision, and the need for timely access to this care. (5) Commencing October 1, 2022, consideration of information obtained from the consumer and, if appropriate, the parents, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative about the consumer’s need for the services, barriers to service access, and other information. (b) At the time of development, scheduled review, or modification of a consumer’s individual program plan developed pursuant to Sections 4646 and 4646.5, or of an individualized family service plan pursuant to Section 95020 of the Government Code, the consumer, or, if appropriate, the parents, legal guardian, or conservator, shall provide copies of their health benefit cards under which the consumer is eligible to receive health benefits, including, but not limited to, private health insurance, a health care service plan, Medi-Cal, Medicare, and TRICARE. If the individual, or, if appropriate, the parents, legal guardians, or conservators, do not have health benefits, the regional center shall not use that fact to negatively impact the services that the individual may or may not receive from the regional center. (c) Final decisions regarding the consumer’s individual program plan shall be made pursuant to Section 4646. (d) Final decisions regarding the individualized family service plan shall be made pursuant to Section 95020 of the Government Code.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4646.5. Section 4646.5.

(a) The planning process for the individual program plan described in Section 4646 shall include all of the following: (1) Gathering information and conducting assessments to determine the life goals, capabilities and strengths, preferences, barriers, and concerns or problems of the person with developmental disabilities. For children with developmental disabilities, this process should include a review of the strengths, preferences, and needs of the child and the family unit as a whole. Assessments shall be conducted by qualified individuals and performed in natural environments whenever possible. Information shall be taken from the consumer, the consumer’s parents and other family members, the consumer’s friends, advocates, authorized representative, if applicable, providers of services and supports, and other agencies. The assessment process shall reflect awareness of, and sensitivity to, the lifestyle and cultural background of the consumer and the family. (2) A statement of goals, based on the needs, preferences, and life choices of the individual with developmental disabilities, and a statement of specific, time-limited objectives for implementing the person’s goals and addressing the person’s needs. These objectives shall be stated in terms that allow measurement of progress or monitoring of service delivery. These goals and objectives should maximize opportunities for the consumer to develop relationships, be part of community life in the areas of community participation, housing, work, school, and leisure, increase control over the consumer’s life, acquire increasingly positive roles in community life, and develop competencies to help accomplish these goals. (3) In developing individual program plans for children, regional centers shall be guided by the principles, process, and services and support parameters set forth in Section 4685. (4) In developing an individual program plan for a transition age youth or working age adult, the planning team shall consider the Employment First Policy described in Chapter 14 (commencing with Section 4868). (5) A schedule of the type and amount of services and supports to be purchased by the regional center or obtained from generic agencies or other resources in order to achieve the individual program plan goals and objectives, and identification of the provider or providers of service responsible for attaining each objective, including, but not limited to, vendors, contracted providers, generic service agencies, and natural supports. The individual program plan shall specify the approximate scheduled start date for services and supports and shall contain timelines for actions necessary to begin services and supports, including generic services. In addition to the requirements of subdivision (h) of Section 4646, each regional center shall offer, and upon request provide, a written copy of the individual program plan to the consumer, and, if appropriate, the consumer’s parents, legal guardian or conservator, or authorized representative within 45 days of their request in a threshold language, as defined by paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 1810.410 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations. (6) If agreed to by the consumer, the parents, legally appointed guardian, or authorized representative of a minor consumer, or the legally appointed conservator of an adult consumer or the authorized representative, including those appointed pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 4541, subdivision (b) of Section 4701.6, and subdivision (e) of Section 4705, a review of the general health status of the adult or child, including medical, dental, and mental health needs, shall be conducted. This review shall include a discussion of current medications, any observed side effects, and the date of the last review of the medication. Service providers shall cooperate with the planning team to provide any information necessary to complete the health status review. If any concerns are noted during the review, referrals shall be made to regional center clinicians or to the consumer’s physician, as appropriate. Documentation of health status and referrals shall be made in the consumer’s record by the service coordinator. (7) (A) The development of a transportation access plan for a consumer when all of the following conditions are met: (i) The regional center is purchasing private, specialized transportation services or services from a residential, day, or other provider, excluding vouchered service providers, to transport the consumer to and from day or work services. (ii) The planning team has determined that a consumer’s community integration and participation could be safe and enhanced through the use of public transportation services. (iii) The planning team has determined that generic transportation services are available and accessible. (B) To maximize independence and community integration and participation, the transportation access plan shall identify the services and supports necessary to assist the consumer in accessing public transportation and shall comply with Section 4648.35. These services and supports may include, but are not limited to, mobility training services and the use of transportation aides. Regional centers are encouraged to coordinate with local public transportation agencies. (8) A schedule of regular periodic review and reevaluation to ascertain that planned services have been provided, that objectives have been fulfilled within the times specified, and that consumers and families are satisfied with the individual program plan and its implementation. (9) (A) When a regional center consumer is being cared for in the family home, no later than the consumer’s 22nd birthday, and annually thereafter, a discussion regarding caregiver succession and, if determined by the consumer or the consumer’s representative to be necessary, development of a caregiver succession plan, which may include, but is not limited to, both of the following: (i) Identification of individuals who may provide care to the consumer when the current caregiver is no longer able to perform the necessary tasks. (ii) Identification of possible housing options for the regional center consumer when the consumer can no longer live at home. (B) For purposes of this paragraph, “caregiver succession” means the point at which the primary caregiver is no longer able to fully care for a regional center consumer. (b) For all active cases, individual program plans shall be reviewed and modified by the planning team, through the process described in Section 4646, as necessary, in response to the person’s achievement or changing needs, and no less often than once every three years. If the consumer or, if appropriate, the consumer’s parents, legal guardian, authorized representative, or conservator requests an individual program plan review, the individual program plan shall be reviewed within 30 days after the request is submitted, or no later than 7 days after the request is submitted if necessary for the consumer’s health and safety or to maintain the consumer in their home. (c) (1) The department, with the participation of representatives of a statewide consumer organization, the Association of Regional Center Agencies, an organized labor organization representing service coordination staff, and the state council shall prepare training material and a standard format and instructions for the preparation of individual program plans, which embody an approach centered on the person and family. (2) Each regional center shall use the training materials and format prepared by the department pursuant to paragraph (1). (3) The department shall biennially review a random sample of individual program plans at each regional center to ensure that these plans are being developed and modified in compliance with Section 4646 and this section.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4646.6. Section 4646.6.

Notwithstanding Section 632 of the Penal Code, a consumer, or his or her parent, guardian, conservator, or authorized representative, shall have the right to record electronically the proceedings of the individual program plan meetings on an audiotape recorder. The consumer, or his or her parent, guardian, conservator, or authorized representative, shall notify the regional center of their intent to record a meeting at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. If the regional center initiates the notice of intent to audiotape record a meeting and the consumer, or his or her parent, guardian, conservator, or authorized representative, refuses to attend the meeting because it will be tape recorded, the meeting shall not be recorded on an audiotape recorder. However, the regional center shall have the right to electronically record the meeting when notice of intent to record has been given by the consumer or on the consumer’s behalf.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4646.55. Section 4646.55.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation to the contrary, and to the extent federal financial participation is available, effective July 1, 2007, the State Department of Developmental Services is hereby authorized to make supplemental payment to an enrolled Medi-Cal provider that is a licensed intermediate care facility/developmentally disabled-habilitative, licensed intermediate care facility/developmentally disabled-nursing, or licensed intermediate care facility/developmentally disabled, for day treatment and transportation services provided pursuant to Sections 4646 and 4646.5, applicable regulations, and Section 14132.925, to Medi-Cal beneficiaries residing in a licensed intermediate care facility/developmentally disabled-habilitative, licensed intermediate care facility/developmentally disabled-nursing, or licensed intermediate care facility/developmentally disabled. These payments shall be considered supplemental payments to the enrolled Medi-Cal provider and shall be comprised of the full costs of reimbursing regional centers for making disbursements to day treatment and transportation service providers, plus a coordination fee which will include an administrative fee and reimbursement for the increased costs associated with the quality assurance fee paid accordingly and without a separate State Department of Developmental Services contract. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and to the extent federal financial participation is available, and in furtherance of this section and Section 14132.925, the State Department of Developmental Services shall amend the regional center contracts for the 2007–08 and 2008–09 fiscal years to extend the contract liquidation period until December 31, 2011. The contract amendments and budget adjustments shall be exempt from the provisions of Article 1 (commencing with Section 4620).

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4647. Section 4647.

(a) Pursuant to Section 4640.7, service coordination shall include those activities necessary to implement an individual program plan, including, but not limited to, participation in the individual program plan process; assurance that the planning team considers all appropriate options for meeting each individual program plan objective; securing, through purchasing or by obtaining from generic agencies or other resources, services and supports specified in the person’s individual program plan; coordination of service and support programs; collection and dissemination of information; and monitoring implementation of the plan to ascertain that objectives have been fulfilled and to assist in revising the plan as necessary. (b) The regional center shall assign a service coordinator who shall be responsible for implementing, overseeing, and monitoring each individual program plan. The service coordinator may be an employee of the regional center or may be a qualified individual or employee of an agency with whom the regional center has contracted to provide service coordination services, or persons described in Section 4647.2. The regional center shall provide the consumer or, where appropriate, his or her parents, legal guardian, or conservator or authorized representative, with written notification of any permanent change in the assigned service coordinator within 10 business days. No person shall continue to serve as a service coordinator for any individual program plan unless there is agreement by all parties that the person should continue to serve as service coordinator. (c) Where appropriate, a consumer or the consumer’s parents or other family members, legal guardian, or conservator, may perform all or part of the duties of the service coordinator described in this section if the regional center director agrees and it is feasible. (d) If any person described in subdivision (c) is designated as the service coordinator, that person shall not deviate from the agreed-upon program plan and shall provide any reasonable information and reports required by the regional center director. (e) If any person described in subdivision (c) is designated as the service coordinator, the regional center shall provide ongoing information and support as necessary, to assist the person to perform all or part of the duties of service coordinator.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4648. Section 4648.

In order to achieve the stated objectives of a consumer’s individual program plan, the regional center shall conduct activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following: (a) Securing needed services and supports. (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that services and supports assist individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve the greatest self-sufficiency possible and to exercise personal choices. The regional center shall secure services and supports that meet the needs of the consumer, as determined in the consumer’s individual program plan, and within the context of the individual program plan, the planning team shall give highest preference to those services and supports that would allow minors with developmental disabilities to live with their families, adult persons with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible in the community, and that allow all consumers to interact with persons without disabilities in positive, meaningful ways. (2) In implementing individual program plans, regional centers, through the planning team, shall first consider services and supports in natural community, home, work, and recreational settings. Services and supports shall be flexible and individually tailored to the consumer and, if appropriate, the consumer’s family. (3) A regional center may, pursuant to vendorization or a contract, purchase services or supports for a consumer from an individual or agency that the regional center and consumer or, if appropriate, the consumer’s parents, legal guardian, or conservator, or authorized representatives, determines will best accomplish all or part of that consumer’s program plan. (A) Vendorization or contracting is the process for identification, selection, and utilization of service vendors or contractors, based on the qualifications and other requirements necessary in order to provide the service. (B) A regional center may reimburse an individual or agency for services or supports provided to a regional center consumer if the individual or agency has a rate of payment for vendored or contracted services established by the department, pursuant to this division, and is providing services pursuant to an emergency vendorization or has completed the vendorization procedures or has entered into a contract with the regional center and continues to comply with the vendorization or contracting requirements. The director shall adopt regulations governing the vendorization process to be utilized by the department, regional centers, vendors, and the individual or agency requesting vendorization. (C) Regulations shall include, but not be limited to: the vendor application process, and the basis for accepting or denying an application; the qualification and requirements for each category of services that may be provided to a regional center consumer through a vendor; requirements for emergency vendorization; procedures for termination of vendorization; and the procedure for an individual or an agency to appeal a vendorization decision made by the department or regional center. (D) A regional center may vendorize a licensed facility for exclusive services to persons with developmental disabilities at a capacity equal to or less than the facility’s licensed capacity. A facility already licensed on January 1, 1999, shall continue to be vendorized at their full licensed capacity until the facility agrees to vendorization at a reduced capacity. (E) Effective July 1, 2009, notwithstanding any other law or regulation, a regional center shall not newly vendor a State Department of Social Services licensed 24-hour residential care facility with a licensed capacity of 16 or more beds, unless the facility qualifies for receipt of federal funds under the Medicaid program. (4) Notwithstanding subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3), a regional center may contract or issue a voucher for services and supports provided to a consumer or family at a cost not to exceed the maximum rate of payment for that service or support established by the department. If a rate has not been established by the department, the regional center may, for an interim period, contract for a specified service or support with, and establish a rate of payment for, a provider of the service or support necessary to implement a consumer’s individual program plan. Contracts may be negotiated for a period of up to three years, with annual review and subject to the availability of funds. (5) In order to ensure the maximum flexibility and availability of appropriate services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities, the department shall establish and maintain an equitable system of payment to providers of services and supports identified as necessary to the implementation of a consumer’s individual program plan. The system of payment shall include a provision for a rate to ensure that the provider can meet the special needs of consumers and provide quality services and supports in the least restrictive setting as required by law. (6) The regional center and the consumer, or if appropriate, the consumer’s parents, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative, including those appointed pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 4541, subdivision (b) of Section 4701.6, or subdivision (e) of Section 4705, shall, pursuant to the individual program plan, consider all of the following when selecting a provider of consumer services and supports: (A) A provider’s ability to deliver quality services or supports that can accomplish all or part of the consumer’s individual program plan. (B) A provider’s success in achieving the objectives set forth in the individual program plan. (C) If appropriate, the existence of licensing, accreditation, or professional certification. (D) (i) The cost of providing services or supports of comparable quality by different providers, if available, shall be reviewed, and the least costly available provider of comparable service, including the cost of transportation, who is able to accomplish all or part of the consumer’s individual program plan, consistent with the particular needs of the consumer and family as identified in the individual program plan, shall be selected. In determining the least costly provider, the availability of federal financial participation shall be considered. The consumer shall not be required to use the least costly provider if it will result in the consumer moving from an existing provider of services or supports to more restrictive or less integrated services or supports. (ii) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the department shall, with input from the community, issue a written directive defining the term “cost effective” for the purposes of all programs, including, but not limited to, the Self-Determination Program, no later than August 1, 2026. This directive shall remain in effect until regulations are adopted, but in no case for longer than two years following its issuance. Upon notification by the department to the Legislature that the written directive has been issued, clause (i) shall be ineffective. (iii) For purposes of clause (ii), input from the community shall include, but not be limited to, consultation with the department’s Lived Experience Advisory Group, individuals and families, caregivers, advocates and associations, service providers, regional centers, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities Statewide Self‑Determination Advisory Committee, and legislative staff. The department shall provide adequate notice, or 45 days at a minimum, for the community to review and provide feedback on the draft written directive, with review and consideration by the department of feedback prior to finalization for the August 1, 2026, deadline. (E) The consumer’s choice of providers, or, if appropriate, the consumer’s parent’s, legal guardian’s, authorized representative’s, or conservator’s choice of providers. (7) A service or support provided by an agency or individual shall not be continued unless the consumer or, if appropriate, the consumer’s parents, legal guardian, or conservator, or authorized representative, including those appointed pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 4541, subdivision (b) of Section 4701.6, or subdivision (e) of Section 4705, is satisfied and the regional center and the consumer or, if appropriate, the consumer’s parents or legal guardian or conservator agree that planned services and supports have been provided, and reasonable progress toward objectives have been made. (8) Regional center funds shall not be used to supplant the budget of an agency that has a legal responsibility to serve all members of the general public and is receiving public funds for providing those services. (9) (A) To maximize federal financial participation and facilitate timely access to residential placements of consumers in foster care, the department shall enter into interagency agreements to obtain state and federal funding with the state departments that oversee the agencies that have the legal responsibility to serve all members of the general public and receive public funds for providing those services. The interagency agreement shall specify the proportion or amount of funds reimbursed by each state department or other responsible agency. Following completion of the interagency agreement, the departments shall jointly notify the local agencies. (B) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and if specified in the joint notification received pursuant to subparagraph (A), regional centers shall fund the vendored residential service types specified in the joint notification provided to a regional center consumer who is a child or nonminor dependent who has been adjudged a dependent of the court pursuant to Section 300 or has not been adjudged a dependent of the court pursuant to Section 300 but is in the custody of the county welfare department, or has been adjudged a ward of the court pursuant to Section 601 or 602 and placed in the care and custody of the county probation department. The residential services and supports purchased by the regional center shall be consistent with the consumer’s individual program plan regardless of the placing agency or placing authority. This section shall not apply to placements made in an institution for mental diseases, as defined in Section 435.1010 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (C) This paragraph shall be implemented in consultation with the County Welfare Directors Association of California and the Association of Regional Center Agencies. (10) (A) A regional center may, directly or through an agency acting on behalf of the center, provide placement in, purchase of, or follow-along services to persons with developmental disabilities in, appropriate community living arrangements, including, but not limited to, support service for consumers in homes they own or lease, foster family placements, health care facilities, and licensed community care facilities. In considering appropriate placement alternatives for children with developmental disabilities, approval by the child’s parent or guardian shall be obtained before placement is made. (B) Effective July 1, 2012, notwithstanding any other law or regulation, a regional center shall not purchase residential services from a State Department of Social Services licensed 24-hour residential care facility with a licensed capacity of 16 or more beds. This prohibition on regional center purchase of residential services does not apply to either of the following: (i) A residential facility with a licensed capacity of 16 or more beds that has been approved to participate in the department’s Home and Community Based Services Waiver or another existing waiver program or certified to participate in the Medi-Cal program. (ii) A residential facility licensed as a mental health rehabilitation center by the State Department of Health Care Services under any of the following circumstances: (I) The facility is eligible for Medicaid reimbursement and the individual’s planning team determines that there are no less restrictive placements appropriate for the individual. (II) There is an emergency circumstance in which the regional center determines that it cannot locate alternate federally eligible services to meet the consumer’s needs. Under an emergency circumstance, an assessment shall be completed by the regional center as soon as possible and within 30 days of admission. An individual program plan meeting shall be convened immediately following the assessment to determine the services and supports needed for stabilization and to develop a plan to transition the consumer from the facility into the community. If transition is not expected within 90 days of admission, an individual program plan meeting shall be held to discuss the status of transition and to determine if the consumer is still in need of placement in the facility. Commencing October 1, 2012, this determination shall be made after also considering resource options identified by the statewide specialized resource service. If it is determined that emergency services continue to be necessary, the regional center shall submit an updated transition plan that can cover a period of up to 90 days. In no event shall placements under these emergency circumstances exceed 180 days. (III) The clients’ rights advocate shall be notified of each admission and individual program planning meeting pursuant to this clause and may participate in all individual program planning meetings unless the consumer objects on their own behalf. For purposes of this subclause, notification to the clients’ rights advocate shall include a copy of the most recent comprehensive assessment or updated assessment and the time, date, and location of the meeting, and shall be provided as soon as practicable, but not less than seven calendar days before the meeting. (IV) If a consumer is placed in a mental health rehabilitation center by another entity, the mental health rehabilitation center shall inform the regional center of the placement within five days of the date the consumer is admitted. If an individual’s records indicate that the individual is a regional center consumer, the mental health rehabilitation center shall make every effort to contact the local regional center or the department to determine which regional center to provide notice. As soon as possible within 30 days of admission to a mental health rehabilitation center due to an emergency pursuant to subclause (II), or within 30 days of notification of admission to a mental health rehabilitation center by an entity other than a regional center, an assessment shall be completed by the regional center. (C) (i) Effective July 1, 2012, notwithstanding any other law or regulation, a regional center shall not purchase new residential services from, or place a consumer in, institutions for mental disease, as described in Part 5 (commencing with Section 5900) of Division 5, for which federal Medicaid funding is not available. Effective July 1, 2013, this prohibition applies regardless of the availability of federal funding. (ii) The prohibition described in clause (i) shall not apply to emergencies, as determined by the regional center, if a regional center cannot locate alternate services to meet the consumer’s needs. As soon as possible within 30 days of admission due to an emergency, an assessment shall be completed by the regional center. An individual program plan meeting shall be convened immediately following the assessment, to determine the services and supports needed for stabilization and to develop a plan to transition the consumer from the facility to the community. If transition is not expected within 90 days of admission, an emergency program plan meeting shall be held to discuss the status of the transition and to determine if the consumer is still in need of placement in the facility. If emergency services continue to be necessary, the regional center shall submit an updated transition plan to the department for an extension of up to 90 days. Placement shall not exceed 180 days. (iii) Effective January 1, 2020, the exception in clause (ii) shall no longer apply. As of this date, the prohibition in clause (i) shall not apply to acute crises when the following conditions are met prior to a regional center purchasing new residential services from, or placing a consumer in, an institution for mental disease: (I) The regional center prepares an assessment for inclusion in the consumer’s file detailing all considered community-based services and supports, including, but not limited to, rate adjustments, as provided by law, supplemental services, as set forth in subparagraph (F), emergency and crisis intervention services, as set forth in paragraph (11), community crisis home, pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 4698) of Chapter 6, and an explanation of why those options could not meet the consumer’s needs. (II) The director of the regional center confirms that there are no community-based options that can meet the consumer’s needs. (iv) For purposes of this section, “acute crisis” has the same meaning as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 4418.7. (v) When admission occurs due to an acute crisis, all of the following shall apply: (I) If the regional center does not expect the consumer to transition back to a community setting within 72 hours, or if the consumer does not transition back to a community setting within 72 hours, the regional center shall do both of the following: (ia) No later than 10 calendar days from the date the consumer is placed in the institution for mental disease, complete any documentation necessary to support the filing of a petition for commitment pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 6 and request the person authorized to present allegations pursuant to Section 6500 file a petition for commitment. (ib) Complete a comprehensive assessment in coordination with the institution for mental disease staff. The comprehensive assessment shall include the identification of the services and supports needed for crisis stabilization and the timeline for identifying or developing the services and supports needed to transition the consumer back to a community setting. The regional center shall immediately submit a copy of the comprehensive assessment to the committing court. Immediately following the assessment, and not later than 30 days following admission, the regional center and the institution for mental disease shall jointly convene an individual program plan meeting to determine the services and supports needed for crisis stabilization and to develop a plan to transition the consumer into the community. (II) If transition is not expected within 90 days of admission, an individual program plan meeting shall be held to discuss the status of the transition and to determine if the consumer is still in need of crisis stabilization. (III) A consumer shall reside in an institution for mental disease no longer than six months before being placed into a community living arrangement, unless, prior to the end of the six months, all of the following have occurred: (ia) The regional center has conducted an additional comprehensive assessment based on current information and determines that the consumer continues to be in an acute crisis. (ib) The individual program planning team has developed a plan that identifies the specific services and supports necessary to transition the consumer into the community, and the plan includes a timeline to obtain or develop those services and supports. (ic) The committing court has reviewed and, if appropriate, extended the commitment. (IV) (ia) A consumer’s placement at an institution for mental disease shall not exceed one year unless both of the following occur: (Ia) The regional center demonstrates significant progress toward implementing the plan to transition the consumer into the community. (Ib) Extraordinary circumstances exist beyond the regional center’s control that have prevented the regional center from obtaining those services and supports within the timeline based on the plan. (ib) If both of the circumstances under sub-subclause (ia) exist, the regional center may request, and the committing court may grant, an additional extension of the commitment, not to exceed 30 days. (V) Institutions for mental disease staff shall assist the consumer with transitioning back to the consumer’s prior residence, or an alternative community-based residential setting, within the timeframe described in this subparagraph. (vi) The department shall monitor placements pursuant to this subparagraph and subsequent transitions back to community-based settings. (vii) The clients’ rights advocate shall be notified of each admission and individual program planning meeting pursuant to this subparagraph and may participate in all individual program planning meetings unless the consumer objects on their own behalf. For purposes of this clause, notification to the clients’ rights advocate shall include a copy of the most recent comprehensive assessment or updated assessment and the time, date, and location of the meeting, and shall be provided as soon as practicable, but not less than seven calendar days before the meeting. (viii) If a consumer is placed in an institution for mental disease by another entity, the institution for mental disease shall inform the regional center of the placement within five days of the date the consumer is admitted. If an individual’s records indicate that the individual is a regional center consumer, the institution for mental disease shall make every effort to contact the local regional center or department to determine which regional center to provide notice. As soon as possible within 30 days of admission to an institution for mental disease due to an acute crisis pursuant to clause (ii), or within 30 days of notification of admission to an institution for mental disease by an entity other than a regional center, an assessment shall be completed by the regional center. (ix) Regional centers shall complete a comprehensive assessment of a consumer residing in an institution for mental disease as of July 1, 2012, for which federal Medicaid funding is not available, and for a consumer residing in an institution for mental disease as of July 1, 2013, without regard to federal funding. The comprehensive assessment shall be completed before the consumer’s next scheduled individual program plan meeting and shall include identification of the services and supports needed and the timeline for identifying or developing those services needed to transition the consumer back to the community. Effective October 1, 2012, the regional center shall also consider resource options identified by the statewide specialized resource service. For each individual program plan meeting convened pursuant to this subparagraph, the clients’ rights advocate for the regional center shall be notified of the meeting and may participate in the meeting unless the consumer objects on their own behalf. For purposes of this clause, notification to the clients’ rights advocate shall include the time, date, and location of the meeting, and shall be provided as soon as practicable, but not less than seven calendar days before the meeting. (D) (i) The transition process from a mental health rehabilitation center or institution for mental disease shall be based upon the individual’s needs, developed through the individual program plan process, and shall ensure that needed services and supports will be in place at the time the individual moves. Individual supports and services shall include, if appropriate for the individual, wraparound services through intensive individualized support services. The transition shall be to a community living arrangement that is in the least restrictive environment appropriate to the needs of the individual and most protective of the individual’s rights to dignity, freedom, and choice as described in subdivision (a). (ii) Regional centers, through the individual program plan process, shall coordinate for the benefit of the regional center consumers residing in an institution for mental disease, pretransition planning, transition, and access to followup services to help ensure a smooth transition to the community. Individual support services shall include, but shall not be limited to, both of the following: (I) Defined regional center contacts and visits with consumers and service providers during the 12 months following the consumer’s movement date. (II) Identification of issues that need resolution and an individualized support plan to address these issues. (E) A person with developmental disabilities placed by the regional center in a community living arrangement shall have the rights specified in this division. These rights shall be brought to the person’s attention by any means necessary to reasonably communicate these rights to each resident, provided that, at a minimum, the Director of Developmental Services prepare, provide, and require to be clearly posted in all residential facilities and day programs a poster using simplified language and pictures that is designed to be more understandable by persons with intellectual disabilities and that the rights information shall also be available through the regional center to each residential facility and day program in alternative formats, including, but not limited to, other languages, braille, and audiotapes, if necessary to meet the communication needs of consumers. (F) Consumers are eligible to receive supplemental services including, but not limited to, additional staffing, pursuant to the process described in subdivision (d) of Section 4646. Necessary additional staffing that is not specifically included in the rates paid to the service provider may be purchased by the regional center if the additional staff are in excess of the amount required by regulation and the individual’s planning team determines the additional services are consistent with the provisions of the individual program plan. Additional staff should be periodically reviewed by the planning team for consistency with the individual program plan objectives in order to determine if continued use of the additional staff is necessary and appropriate and if the service is producing outcomes consistent with the individual program plan. Regional centers shall monitor programs to ensure that the additional staff is being provided and utilized appropriately. (11) Emergency and crisis intervention services including, but not limited to, mental health services and behavior modification services, may be provided, as needed, to maintain persons with developmental disabilities in the living arrangement of their own choice. Crisis services shall first be provided without disrupting a person’s living arrangement. If crisis intervention services are unsuccessful, emergency housing shall be available in the person’s home community. If dislocation cannot be avoided, every effort shall be made to return the person to their living arrangement of choice, with all necessary supports, as soon as possible. (12) Among other service and support options, planning teams shall consider the use of paid roommates or neighbors, personal assistance, technical and financial assistance, and all other service and support options that would result in greater self-sufficiency for the consumer and cost-effectiveness to the state. (13) If facilitation as specified in an individual program plan requires the services of an individual, the facilitator shall be of the consumer’s choosing. (14) The community support may be provided to assist individuals with developmental disabilities to fully participate in community and civic life, including, but not limited to, programs, services, work opportunities, business, and activities available to persons without disabilities. This facilitation shall include, but not be limited to, any of the following: (A) Outreach and education to programs and services within the community. (B) Direct support to individuals that would enable them to more fully participate in their community. (C) Developing unpaid natural supports when possible. (15) If feasible and recommended by the individual program planning team, for purposes of facilitating better and cost-effective services for consumers or family members, technology, including telecommunication technology, may be used in conjunction with other services and supports. Technology in lieu of a consumer’s in-person appearances at judicial proceedings or administrative due process hearings may be used only if the consumer or, if appropriate, the consumer’s parent, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative, gives informed consent. Technology may be used in lieu of, or in conjunction with, in-person training for providers, as appropriate. (16) Other services and supports may be provided as set forth in Sections 4685, 4686, 4687, 4688, and 4689, when necessary. (17) Notwithstanding any other law or regulation, effective July 1, 2009, regional centers shall not purchase experimental treatments, therapeutic services, or devices that have not been clinically determined or scientifically proven to be effective or safe or for which risks and complications are unknown. Experimental treatments or therapeutic services include experimental medical or nutritional therapy when the use of the product for that purpose is not a general physician practice. For regional center consumers receiving these services as part of their individual program plan (IPP) or individualized family service plan (IFSP) on July 1, 2009, this prohibition shall apply on August 1, 2009. (b) (1) Advocacy for, and protection of, the civil, legal, and service rights of persons with developmental disabilities as established in this division. (2) If the advocacy efforts of a regional center to secure or protect the civil, legal, or service rights of a consumer prove ineffective, the regional center or the person with developmental disabilities or the person’s parents, legal guardian, or other representative may request advocacy assistance from the state council. (c) The regional center may assist consumers and families directly, or through a provider, in identifying and building circles of support within the community. (d) In order to increase the quality of community services and protect consumers, the regional center shall, if appropriate, take either of the following actions: (1) Identify services and supports that are ineffective or of poor quality and provide or secure consultation, training, or technical assistance services for an agency or individual provider to assist that agency or individual provider in upgrading the quality of services or supports. (2) Identify providers of services or supports that may not be in compliance with local, state, and federal statutes and regulations and notify the appropriate licensing or regulatory authority to investigate the possible noncompliance. (e) If necessary to expand the availability of needed services of good quality, a regional center may take actions that include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) Soliciting an individual or agency by requests for proposals or other means, to provide needed services or supports not presently available. (2) Requesting funds from the Program Development Fund, pursuant to Section 4677, or community placement plan funds designated from that fund, to reimburse the startup costs needed to initiate a new program of services and supports. (3) Using creative and innovative service delivery models, including, but not limited to, natural supports. (f) Except in emergency situations, a regional center shall not provide direct treatment and therapeutic services, but shall utilize appropriate public and private community agencies and service providers to obtain those services for its consumers. (g) If there are identified gaps in the system of services and supports consumers for whom no provider will provide services and supports contained in their individual program plan, the department may provide the services and supports directly. (h) At least annually, regional centers shall provide the consumer, the consumer’s parents, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative a statement of services and supports the regional center purchased for the purpose of ensuring that they are delivered. The statement shall include the type, unit, month, and cost of services and supports purchased.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4648.1. Section 4648.1.

(a) The State Department of Developmental Services and regional centers may monitor services and supports purchased for regional center consumers with or without prior notice. Not less than two monitoring visits to a licensed long-term health care or community care facility or family home agency home each year shall be unannounced. The department may conduct fiscal reviews and audits of the service providers’ records. (b) Department and regional center staff involved in monitoring or auditing services provided to the regional centers’ consumers by a service provider shall have access to the provider’s grounds, buildings, and service program, and to all related records, including books, papers, computerized data, accounting records, and related documentation. All persons connected with the service provider’s program, including, but not limited to, program administrators, staff, consultants, and accountants, shall provide information and access to facilities as required by the department or regional center. (c) The department, in cooperation with regional centers, shall ensure that all providers of services and supports purchased by regional centers for their consumers are informed of all of the following: (1) The provisions of this section. (2) The responsibility of providers to comply with laws and regulations governing both their service program and the provision of services and supports to people with developmental disabilities. (3) The responsibility of providers to comply with conditions of any contract or agreement between the regional center and the provider, and between the provider and the department. (4) The rights of providers established in regulations adopted pursuant to Sections 4648.2, 4748, and 4780.5, to appeal actions taken by regional centers or the department as a result of their monitoring and auditing findings. (d) A regional center may terminate payments for services, and may terminate its contract or authorization for the purchase of consumer services if it determines that the provider has not complied with provisions of its contract or authorization with the regional center or with applicable state laws and regulations. When terminating payments for services or its contract or authorization for the purchase of consumer services, a regional center shall make reasonable efforts to avoid unnecessary disruptions of consumer services. (e) A regional center or the department may recover from the provider funds paid for services when the department or the regional center determines that either of the following has occurred: (1) The services were not provided in accordance with the regional center’s contract or authorization with the provider, or with applicable state laws or regulations. (2) The rate paid is based on inaccurate data submitted by the provider on a provider cost statement. Any funds so recovered shall be remitted to the department. (f) Any evidence of suspected licensing violations found by department or regional center personnel shall be reported immediately to the appropriate state licensing agency. (g) Regional centers may establish volunteer teams, made up of consumers, parents, other family members, and advocates to conduct the monitoring activities described in this section. (h) In meeting its responsibility to provide technical assistance to providers of community living arrangements for persons with developmental disabilities, including, but not limited to, licensed residential facilities, family home agencies, and supported or independent living arrangements, a regional center shall utilize the “Looking at Service Quality-Provider’s Handbook” developed by the department or subsequent revisions developed by the department. (i) Effective July 1, 2009, a regional center shall not be required to perform triennial evaluations of community care facilities, as described in Sections 56046, 56049, 56050, 56051, and 56052 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4648.2. Section 4648.2.

By September 1, 1986, the State Department of Developmental Services shall promulgate regulations which establish a process for service providers to appeal actions the department takes as a result of its auditing and monitoring activities. To the extent possible, this process shall include procedures contained in fiscal audit appeals regulations established pursuant to Section 4780.5.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4648.3. Section 4648.3.

A provider of transportation services to regional center clients for the regional center shall maintain protection against liability for damages for bodily injuries or death and for damage to or destruction of property, which may be incurred by the provider in the course of providing those services. The protection shall be maintained at the level established by the regional center to which the transportation services are provided.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4648.4. Section 4648.4.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, commencing July 1, 2006, rates for services listed in paragraphs (1), (2), with the exception of travel reimbursement, (3) to (8), inclusive, (10), and (11) of subdivision (b), shall be increased by 3 percent, subject to funds specifically appropriated for this increase in the Budget Act of 2006. The increase shall be applied as a percentage, and the percentage shall be the same for all providers. Any subsequent change shall be governed by subdivision (b). (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, except for subdivision (a), no regional center may pay any provider of the following services or supports a rate that is greater than the rate that is in effect on or after June 30, 2008, unless the increase is required by a contract between the regional center and the vendor that is in effect on June 30, 2008, or the regional center demonstrates that the approval is necessary to protect the consumer’s health or safety and the department has granted prior written authorization: (1) Supported living services. (2) Transportation, including travel reimbursement. (3) Socialization training programs. (4) Behavior intervention training. (5) Community integration training programs. (6) Community activities support services. (7) Mobile day programs. (8) Creative art programs. (9) Supplemental day services program supports. (10) Adaptive skills trainers. (11) Independent living specialists.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4648.6. Section 4648.6.

The department, in consultation with stakeholders, shall develop an alternative service delivery model that provides an Individual Choice Budget for obtaining quality services and supports which provides choice and flexibility within a finite budget that in the aggregate reduces regional center purchase of service expenditures, reduces reliance on the state general fund, and maximizes federal financial participation in the delivery of services. The individual budget will be determined using a fair, equitable, transparent standardized process.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4648.11. Section 4648.11.

(a) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a request for proposals that is prepared by a regional center for consumer services and supports shall include a section on issues of equity and diversity. (2) The section on equity and diversity shall request, but not be limited to, all of the following information: (A) A statement outlining the applicant’s plan to serve diverse populations, including, but not limited to, culturally and linguistically diverse populations. (B) Examples of the applicant’s commitment to addressing the needs of those diverse populations. (C) Any additional information that the applicant deems relevant to issues of equity and diversity. (b) A request for proposals that applies only to specifically identified consumers is required only to request information on how the applicant plans to provide culturally and linguistically competent services and supports to those specific consumers. (c) This section shall not alter contracts entered into before January 1, 2014.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4648.12. Section 4648.12.

(a) The Legislature finds and declares that under federal and state law, certain individuals and entities are ineligible to provide Medicaid services. (b) An individual, partnership, group association, corporation, institution, or entity, and the officers, directors, owners, managing employees, or agents thereof, that has been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor involving fraud or abuse in any government program, or related to neglect or abuse of an elder or dependent adult or child, or in connection with the interference with, or obstruction of, any investigation into health care related fraud or abuse, or that has been found liable for fraud or abuse in any civil proceeding, or that has entered into a settlement in lieu of conviction for fraud or abuse in any government program, within the previous 10 years, shall be ineligible to be a regional center vendor. The regional center shall not deny vendorization to an otherwise qualified applicant whose felony or misdemeanor charges did not result in a conviction solely on the basis of the prior charges. (c) In order to ensure compliance with federal disclosure requirements and to preserve federal funding of consumer services, the department shall do all of the following: (1) (A) Adopt emergency regulations to amend provider and vendor eligibility and disclosure criteria to meet federal participation requirements. These emergency regulations shall address, at a minimum, disclosure requirements of current and prospective vendors, including information about entity ownership and control, contracting interests, and criminal convictions or civil proceedings involving fraud or abuse in any government program, or abuse or neglect of an elder, dependent adult, or child. (B) Adopt emergency regulations to meet federal requirements applicable to vouchered services. (C) The adoption, amendment, repeal, or readoption of a regulation authorized by this paragraph is deemed to be necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, or general welfare, for purposes of Sections 11346.1 and 11349.9 of the Government Code, and the department is hereby exempted from that requirement. For purposes of subdivision (e) of Section 11346.1 of the Government Code, the 120-day period, as applicable to the effective period of an emergency regulatory action and submission of specified materials to the Office of Administrative Law, is hereby extended to 180 days. (2) Adopt nonemergency regulations to implement the terms of paragraph (1) through the regular rulemaking process pursuant to Sections 11346 and 11349.1 of the Government Code within 18 months of the adoption of emergency regulations pursuant to paragraph (1).

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4648.13. Section 4648.13.

(a) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) “Probability sample or sampling” means a standard statistical methodology by which a sample is selected based on the mathematical theory of probability regarding the occurrence of random events. (2) “Statistical extrapolation” means the methodology whereby an unknown value can be estimated by projecting the results of a probability sample to the universe from which the sample was drawn with a calculated precision. (b) The State Department of Developmental Services and regional centers may utilize probability sampling and statistical extrapolation when conducting fiscal audits of service providers. (c) Probability sampling shall be done using methodologies that are well-accepted by statisticians. (d) Whenever the results of a probability sample are extrapolated, the audit report shall include a clear description of all the following: (1) The universe from which the sample was drawn. (2) The sample size and method used to select the sample. (3) The formulas and calculation procedures used to determine the dollar amount at issue. (4) The confidence level associated with the precision of the extrapolation.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4648.14. Section 4648.14.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Department of Social Services and the State Department of Public Health shall notify the State Department of Developmental Services of any administrative action initiated against a licensee serving consumers with developmental disabilities. For the purposes of this section “administrative action” includes, but is not limited to, all of the following: (a) The issuance of a citation requiring corrective action for a health and safety violation. (b) The temporary or other suspension or revocation of a license. (c) The issuance of a temporary restraining order. (d) The appointment of a temporary receiver pursuant to Section 1327 of the Health and Safety Code.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4648.35. Section 4648.35.

At the time of development, review, or modification of a consumer’s individual program plan (IPP) or individualized family service plan (IFSP), all of the following shall apply to a regional center: (a) A regional center shall not fund private specialized transportation services for an adult consumer who can safely access and utilize public transportation, when that transportation is available. (b) A regional center shall fund the least expensive transportation modality that meets the consumer’s needs, as set forth in the consumer’s IPP or IFSP. (c) A regional center shall fund transportation, when required, from the consumer’s residence to the lowest-cost vendor that provides the service that meets the consumer’s needs, as set forth in the consumer’s IPP or IFSP. For purposes of this subdivision, the cost of a vendor shall be determined by combining the vendor’s program costs and the costs to transport a consumer from the consumer’s residence to the vendor. (d) A regional center shall fund transportation services for a minor child living in the family residence, only if the family of the child provides sufficient written documentation to the regional center to demonstrate that it is unable to provide transportation for the child.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4648.55. Section 4648.55.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (d), a regional center shall not purchase day program, vocational education, work services, independent living program, or mobility training and related transportation services for a consumer who is 18 to 22 years of age, inclusive, if that consumer is eligible for special education and related education services and has not received a diploma or certificate of completion, unless the individual program plan (IPP) planning team determines that the consumer’s needs cannot be met in the educational system or grants an exemption pursuant to subdivision (d). If the planning team determines that generic services can meet the consumer’s day, vocational education, work services, independent living, or mobility training and related transportation needs, the regional center shall assist the consumer in accessing those services. To ensure that consumers receive appropriate educational services and an effective transition from services provided by educational agencies to services provided by regional centers, the regional center service coordinator, at the request of the consumer or, where appropriate, the consumer’s parent, legal guardian, or conservator, may attend the individualized education program (IEP) planning team meeting. (b) For consumers who are 18 to 22 years of age, inclusive, who have left the public school system, and who are receiving regional center purchased services identified in subdivision (a) on or before the effective date of this section, a determination shall be made through the IPP as to whether the return to the educational system can be achieved while meeting the consumer’s needs. If the planning team determines that the consumer’s needs cannot be met in the educational system, the regional center may continue to purchase the services identified in subdivision (a). If the planning team determines that generic services can meet the consumer’s day, vocational education, work services, independent living, or mobility training and related transportation needs, the regional center shall assist the consumer in accessing those services. (c) For consumers who are 18 to 22 years of age, inclusive, who have left school prior to enactment of this section, but who are not receiving any of the regional center purchased services identified in subdivision (a), the regional center shall use generic education services to meet the consumer’s day, vocational education, work services, independent living, or mobility training and related transportation needs if those needs are subsequently identified in the IPP unless the consumer is eligible for an exemption as set forth in subdivision (d). If the planning team determines that generic services can meet the consumer’s day, vocational education, work services, independent living, or mobility training and related transportation needs, the regional center shall assist the consumer in accessing those services. (d) An exemption to the provisions of this section may be granted in either of the following circumstances: (1) For participation in a paid internship or competitive integrated employment that is an outcome of a paid internship described in subdivision (a) of Section 4870 if the IPP planning team determines that the consumer could benefit from participation in a paid internship or competitive integrated employment. Participation in a paid internship or competitive integrated employment that is an outcome of a paid internship does not preclude a consumer from continuing to receive public education services to the extent those services are determined to continue to meet the consumer’s needs. (2) On an individual basis in extraordinary circumstances to permit purchase of a service identified in subdivision (a). An exemption shall be granted through the IPP process and shall be based on a determination that the generic service is not appropriate to meet the consumer’s need. The consumer shall be informed of the exemption and the process for obtaining an exemption. (e) A school district may contract with regional center vendors to meet the needs of consumers pursuant to this section.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4649. Section 4649.

Regional centers shall cooperate with the state council in joint efforts to inform the public of services available to persons with developmental disabilities and of their unmet needs, provide materials and education programs to community groups and agencies with interest in, or responsibility for, persons with developmental disabilities, and develop resource materials, if necessary, containing information about local agencies, facilities, and service providers offering services to persons with developmental disabilities.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4650. Section 4650.

Regional centers shall be responsible for developing an annual plan and program budget to be submitted to the director no later than September 1 of each fiscal year. An information copy shall be submitted to the state council by the same date.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4651. Section 4651.

(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that regional centers shall find innovative and economical methods of achieving the objectives contained in individual program plans of persons with developmental disabilities. (b) The department shall encourage and assist regional centers to use innovative programs, techniques, and staffing arrangements to carry out their responsibilities.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4652. Section 4652.

A regional center shall investigate every appropriate and economically feasible alternative for care of a developmentally disabled person available within the region. If suitable care cannot be found within the region, services may be obtained outside of the region.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4652.5. Section 4652.5.

(a) (1) An entity that receives payments from one or more regional centers shall contract with an independent accounting firm to obtain an independent audit or independent review report of its financial statements relating to payments made by regional centers, subject to both of the following: (A) If the amount received from the regional center or regional centers during each state fiscal year is more than or equal to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), but less than two million dollars ($2,000,000), the entity shall obtain an independent review report of its financial statements for the entity’s fiscal year that includes the last day of the most recent state fiscal year. Consistent with Subchapter 21 (commencing with Section 58800) of Chapter 3 of Division 2 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations, this subdivision shall also apply to work activity program providers receiving less than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000). (B) If the amount received from the regional center or regional centers during each state fiscal year is equal to or more than two million dollars ($2,000,000), the entity shall obtain an independent audit of its financial statements for the entity’s fiscal year that includes the last day of the most recent state fiscal year. (2) This requirement does not apply to payments made using usual and customary rates, as defined by Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations, for services provided by regional centers. (3) This requirement does not apply to state and local governmental agencies, the University of California, or the California State University. (b) An entity subject to subdivision (a) shall provide copies of the independent audit or independent review report required by subdivision (a), and accompanying management letters, to the vendoring regional center within nine months of the end of the entity’s fiscal year. (c) Regional centers that receive the audit or review reports required by subdivision (b) shall review and require resolution by the entity for issues identified in the report that have an impact on regional center services. Regional centers shall take appropriate action, up to termination of vendorization, for lack of adequate resolution of issues. (d) (1) Regional centers shall notify the department of all qualified opinion reports or reports noting significant issues that directly or indirectly impact regional center services within 30 days after receipt. Notification shall include a plan for resolution of issues. (2) A regional center shall submit copies of all independent audit reports that it receives to the department for review. The department shall compile data, by regional center, on vendor compliance with audit requirements and opinions resulting from audit reports and shall annually publish the data in the performance dashboard developed pursuant to Section 4572. (e) For purposes of this section, an independent review of financial statements shall be performed by an independent accounting firm and shall cover, at a minimum, all of the following: (1) An inquiry as to the entity’s accounting principles and practices and methods used in applying them. (2) An inquiry as to the entity’s procedures for recording, classifying, and summarizing transactions and accumulating information. (3) Analytical procedures designed to identify relationships or items that appear to be unusual. (4) An inquiry about budgetary actions taken at meetings of the board of directors or other comparable meetings. (5) An inquiry about whether the financial statements have been properly prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and whether any events subsequent to the date of the financial statements would have a material effect on the statements under review. (6) Working papers prepared in connection with a review of financial statements describing the items covered as well as any unusual items, including their disposition. (f) For purposes of this section, an independent review report shall cover, at a minimum, all of the following: (1) Certification that the review was performed in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. (2) Certification that the statements are the representations of management. (3) Certification that the review consisted of inquiries and analytical procedures that are lesser in scope than those of an audit. (4) Certification that the accountant is not aware of any material modifications that need to be made to the statements for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. (g) The department shall not consider a request for adjustments to rates submitted in accordance with Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations by an entity receiving payments from one or more regional centers solely to fund either anticipated or unanticipated changes required to comply with this section. (h) (1) An entity required to obtain an independent review report of its financial statements pursuant to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) may apply to the regional center for, and the regional center shall grant, a two-year exemption from the independent review report requirement if the regional center does not find issues in the prior year’s independent review report that have an impact on regional center services. (2) An entity required to obtain an independent audit of its financial statements pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) may apply to the regional center for an exemption from the independent audit requirement, subject to both of the following conditions: (A) If the independent audit for the prior year resulted in an unmodified opinion or an unmodified opinion with additional communication, the regional center shall grant the entity a two-year exemption. (B) If the independent audit for the prior year resulted in a qualified opinion and the issues are not material, the regional center shall grant the entity a two-year exemption. The entity and the regional center shall continue to address issues raised in this independent audit, regardless of whether the exemption is granted. (3) A regional center shall annually report to the department any exemptions granted pursuant to this subdivision. (i) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2018.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4653. Section 4653.

Except for those developmentally disabled persons judicially committed to state hospitals, no developmentally disabled person shall be admitted to a state hospital except upon the referral of a regional center. Upon discharge from a state hospital, a developmentally disabled person shall be referred to an appropriate regional center.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4654. Section 4654.

Before any person is examined by a regional center pursuant to Section 1370.1 of the Penal Code, the court ordering such medical examination shall transmit to the regional center a copy of the orders made pursuant to proceedings conducted under Sections 1368 and 1369 of the Penal Code. The purpose of the mental examination shall be to determine if developmental disability is the primary diagnosis.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4655. Section 4655.

The director of a regional center or his designee may give consent to medical, dental, and surgical treatment of a regional center client and provide for such treatment to be given to the person under the following conditions: (a) If the developmentally disabled person’s parent, guardian, or conservator legally authorized to consent to such treatment does not respond within a reasonable time to the request of the director or his designee for the granting or denying of consent for such treatment, the director of a regional center or his designee may consent on behalf of the developmentally disabled person to such treatment and provide for such treatment to be given to such person. (b) If the developmentally disabled person has no parent, guardian, or conservator legally authorized to consent to medical, dental, or surgical treatment on behalf of the person, the director of the regional center or his designee may consent to such treatment on behalf of the person and provide for such treatment to be given to the person. The director of a regional center or his designee may thereupon also initiate, or cause to be initiated, proceedings for the appointment of a guardian or conservator legally authorized to consent to medical, dental, or surgical services. (c) If the developmentally disabled person is an adult and has no conservator, consent to treatment may be given by someone other than the person on the person’s behalf only if the developmentally disabled person is mentally incapable of giving his own consent.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4656. Section 4656.

(a) A qualified physician and surgeon who diagnoses a developmental disability, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 4512, of a patient who is a minor shall attempt to determine from the patient, the parents or guardian of the patient, or the regional center for the area whether the person has been previously referred to the regional center for the area. If the patient has not been previously referred to the regional center, the physician and surgeon shall inform a parent or the guardian of the patient of the existence of the regional center for the area, its address and telephone number, and shall describe to the person the services available through the regional center, and shall, upon request of the parent or guardian of the patient, refer in writing the patient through his or her parent or guardian to the regional center. Upon obtaining the consent of the patient’s parent or guardian, the physician and surgeon shall notify the regional center of the referral. For the purposes of this section, “qualified physician and surgeon” means those physicians and surgeons who have recognized and accredited training and a specialized pediatric practice in childhood disabilities. (b) Each regional center shall maintain a record of every developmentally disabled person under the age of 18 years known by the regional center to have been referred to it for its services, whether or not services are actually provided. (c) The state department shall transmit a copy of this section and of subdivision (a) of Section 4512 to every physician and surgeon licensed to practice in this state and every general acute care hospital licensed under Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1250) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code. A list of the name and address of each regional center and such other pertinent information as the state department deems appropriate shall also be transmitted, both in English and Spanish. (d) It is not the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to prevent any physician and surgeon subject to subdivision (a) from providing care or treatment to a developmentally disabled minor or to deprive developmentally disabled minors of adequate care provided through sources other than a regional center.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4657. Section 4657.

The State Department of Developmental Services shall, through the regional center contract, require that the following information is collected by each regional center for each new case and is also collected at each review of all regional center clients in out-of-home placement. Information shall include: (a) The birthday of the parents of the client. (b) The disability status of the parents of the client. (c) Whether the parents of the client are deceased or not.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4658. Section 4658.

The State Department of Developmental Services shall insure that all potentially eligible clients are referred to the Social Security Administration for eligibility determination for Old Age Survivors Disability Insurance (OASDI).

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4659. Section 4659.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b) or (e), the regional center shall identify and pursue all possible sources of funding for consumers receiving regional center services. These sources shall include, but not be limited to, both of the following: (1) Governmental or other entities or programs required to provide or pay the cost of providing services, including Medi-Cal, Medicare, the Civilian Health and Medical Program for Uniform Services, school districts, and federal supplemental security income and the state supplementary program. (2) Private entities, to the maximum extent they are liable for the cost of services, aid, insurance, or medical assistance to the consumer. (b) Any revenues collected by a regional center pursuant to this section shall be applied against the cost of services prior to use of regional center funds for those services. This revenue shall not result in a reduction in the regional center’s purchase of services budget, except as it relates to federal supplemental security income and the state supplementary program. (c) Effective July 1, 2009, notwithstanding any other law or regulation, regional centers shall not purchase any service that would otherwise be available from Medi-Cal, Medicare, the Civilian Health and Medical Program for Uniform Services, In-Home Support Services, California Children’s Services, private insurance, or a health care service plan when a consumer or a family meets the criteria of this coverage but chooses not to pursue that coverage. If, on July 1, 2009, a regional center is purchasing that service as part of a consumer’s individual program plan (IPP), the prohibition shall take effect on October 1, 2009. (d) (1) Effective July 1, 2009, notwithstanding any other law or regulation, a regional center shall not purchase medical or dental services for a consumer three years of age or older unless the regional center is provided with documentation of a Medi-Cal, private insurance, or a health care service plan denial and the regional center determines that an appeal by the consumer or family of the denial does not have merit. If, on July 1, 2009, a regional center is purchasing the service as part of a consumer’s IPP, this provision shall take effect on August 1, 2009. Regional centers may pay for medical or dental services during the following periods: (A) While coverage is being pursued, but before a denial is made. (B) Pending a final administrative decision on the administrative appeal if the family has provided to the regional center a verification that an administrative appeal is being pursued. (C) Until the commencement of services by Medi-Cal, private insurance, or a health care service plan. (2) When necessary, the consumer or family may receive assistance from the regional center, the Clients’ Rights Advocate funded by the department, or the state council in pursuing these appeals. (e) This section shall not impose any additional liability on the parents of children with developmental disabilities, or to restrict eligibility for, or deny services to, any individual who qualifies for regional center services but is unable to pay. (f) In order to best utilize generic resources, federally funded programs, and private insurance programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, the department and regional centers shall engage in the following activities: (1) Within existing resources, the department shall provide training to regional centers, no less than once every two years, in the availability and requirements of generic, federally funded and private programs available to persons with developmental disabilities, including, but not limited to, eligibility requirements, the application process and covered services, and the appeal process. (2) Regional centers shall disseminate information and training to all service coordinators regarding the availability and requirements of generic, federally funded, and private insurance programs on the local level.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4659.1. Section 4659.1.

(a) If a service or support provided pursuant to a consumer’s individual program plan under this division is paid for, in whole or in part, by the health care service plan or health insurance policy of the consumer’s parent, guardian, or caregiver, the regional center may, when necessary to ensure that the consumer receives the service or support, pay any applicable copayment, coinsurance, or deductible associated with the service or support for which the parent, guardian, or caregiver is responsible if all of the following conditions are met: (1) The consumer is covered by their parent’s, guardian’s, or caregiver’s health care service plan or health insurance policy. (2) The family has an annual gross income that does not exceed 400 percent of the federal poverty level. (3) There is no other third party having liability for the cost of the service or support, as provided in subdivision (a) of Section 4659 and Article 2.6 (commencing with Section 4659.10). (b) If a service or support provided to a consumer 18 years of age or older, pursuant to the consumer’s individual program plan, is paid for in whole or in part by the consumer’s health care service plan or health insurance policy, the regional center may, when necessary to ensure that the consumer receives the service or support, pay any applicable copayment, coinsurance, or deductible associated with the service or support for which the consumer is responsible if both of the following conditions are met: (1) The consumer has an annual gross income that does not exceed 400 percent of the federal poverty level. (2) There is no other third party having liability for the cost of the service or support, as provided in subdivision (a) of Section 4659 and Article 2.6 (commencing with Section 4659.10). (c) If a service or support provided pursuant to a consumer’s individualized family service plan pursuant to the California Early Intervention Services Act (Title 14 (commencing with Section 95000) of the Government Code) is paid for, in whole or in part, by the health care service plan or health insurance policy of the consumer’s parent, guardian, or caregiver, the regional center shall pay any applicable copayment, coinsurance, or deductible associated with the service or support for which the parent, guardian, or caregiver is responsible if both of the following conditions are met: (1) The consumer is covered by their parent’s, guardian’s, or caregiver’s health care service plan or health insurance policy. (2) There is no other third party having liability for the cost of the service or support, as provided in subdivision (a) of Section 4659 and Article 2.6 (commencing with Section 4659.10). (d) Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) or paragraph (1) of subdivision (b), a regional center may pay a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible associated with the health care service plan or health insurance policy for a service or support provided pursuant to a consumer’s individual program plan if the family’s or consumer’s income exceeds 400 percent of the federal poverty level, the service or support is necessary to successfully maintain the child at home or the adult consumer in the least-restrictive setting, and the parents or consumer demonstrate one or more of the following: (1) The existence of an extraordinary event that impacts the ability of the parent, guardian, or caregiver to meet the care and supervision needs of the child or impacts the ability of the parent, guardian, or caregiver, or adult consumer with a health care service plan or health insurance policy, to pay the copayment, coinsurance, or deductible. (2) The existence of catastrophic loss that temporarily limits the ability to pay of the parent, guardian, or caregiver, or adult consumer with a health care service plan or health insurance policy and creates a direct economic impact on the family or adult consumer. For purposes of this paragraph, catastrophic loss may include, but is not limited to, natural disasters and accidents involving major injuries to an immediate family member. (3) Significant unreimbursed medical costs associated with the care of the consumer or another child who is also a regional center consumer. (e) The parent, guardian, or caregiver of a consumer or an adult consumer with a health care service plan or health insurance policy shall self-certify the family’s gross annual income to the regional center by providing copies of W-2 Wage Earners Statements, payroll stubs, a copy of the prior year’s state income tax return, or other documents and proof of other income. (f) The parent, guardian, or caregiver of a consumer or an adult consumer with a health care service plan or health insurance policy is responsible for notifying the regional center when a change in income occurs that would result in a change in eligibility for coverage of the health care service plan or health insurance policy copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles. (g) Documentation submitted pursuant to this section shall be considered records obtained in the course of providing intake, assessment, and services and shall be confidential pursuant to Section 4514. (h) This section shall not be implemented in a manner that is inconsistent with the requirements of Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq.).

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4659.2. Section 4659.2.

(a) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) “Physical restraint” means any behavioral or mechanical restraint, as defined in Section 1180.1 of the Health and Safety Code. (2) “Chemical restraint” means a drug that is used to control behavior and that is used in a manner not required to treat the patient’s medical conditions. (3) “Seclusion” means involuntary confinement of a person alone in a room or an area as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 1180.1 of the Health and Safety Code. (4) “Long-term health care facility” means a facility, as defined in Section 1418 of the Health and Safety Code, that is required to report to a regional center pursuant to Section 54327 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. (5) “Acute psychiatric hospital” means a facility, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code, including an institution for mental disease, that is a regional center vendor. (6) “Regional center vendor” means an agency, individual, or service provider that a regional center has approved to provide vendored or contracted services or supports pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 4648. (7) “Community crisis home” means a facility, as defined in Section 4698, that is a regional center vendor. (8) “Mental health rehabilitation center” means a residential facility that is licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services and is a regional center vendor. (b) (1) All regional center vendors that provide crisis or residential services or supported living services, including community crisis homes and mental health rehabilitation centers, long-term health care facilities, and acute psychiatric hospitals shall report to the agency designated pursuant to subdivision (i) of Section 4900 all of the following: (A) Each death or serious injury of a person occurring during, or related to, the use of seclusion, physical restraint, or chemical restraint, or any combination thereof. (B) Any unexpected or suspicious death, regardless of whether the cause is immediately known. (C) Any allegation of sexual assault, as defined in Section 15610.63, in which the alleged perpetrator is a staff member, service provider, or facility employee or contractor. (D) Any report made to the local law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction in which the facility is located that involves physical abuse, as defined in Section 15610.63, in which a staff member, service provider, or facility employee or contractor is implicated. (2) The reports described in paragraph (1) shall be made no later than the close of the business day following the death or serious injury. The report shall include the encrypted identifier of the person involved, and the name, street address, and telephone number of the facility. (c) (1) On a monthly basis, all regional center vendors that provide crisis or residential services or supported living services, long-term health care facilities, and acute psychiatric hospitals shall report to the State Department of Developmental Services, the regional center providing services to the consumer, the vendoring regional center, if different, and the agency designated pursuant to subdivision (i) of Section 4900 all of the following: (A) The number of incidents of seclusion and the duration of time spent per incident in seclusion. (B) The number of incidents of the use of behavioral restraints and the duration of time spent per incident of restraint. (C) The number of times an involuntary emergency medication is used to control behavior. (2) The reports required pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include the name, street address, and telephone number of the facility.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026

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