Provider Appeals and Complaints
Family Home Agency Appeals
The Family Home Agency (FHA) appeal process can be used by an FHA applicant or to appeal the following regional center actions: denial or termination of FHA vendorization; movement of a consumer from a family home approved by a vendored FHA; and/or revocation of a family home’s Certificate of Approval.
The appeal process is defined in Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations Section 56096 and 56097. The FHA must appeal in writing to the Director within 30 days after receiving notice from the regional center of its intended action.
Residential Facility Appeals
This is where a vendored community care facility may appeal the actions taken by a regional center regarding service level disapproval, sanctions, findings of substantial inadequacy or immediate danger, or enforcement of any requirement by the regional center which is not contained in Title 17, California Code of Regulations. Click here for more details.
Rate Appeals
This process may be used by a vendor to appeal a rate set by the Department of Developmental Services, the effective date of the rate, or the denial of a rate adjustment. Click here for more details.
Regional Center or Vendor/Contractor Whistleblower Complaints
Regional Center or Vendor/Contractor Whistleblower complaints are defined as the reporting of an “improper regional center or vendor/contractor activity.”
- An “improper regional center activity” means an activity by a regional center, or an employee, officer, or board member of a regional center, in the conduct of regional center business, that is a violation of a state or federal law or regulation; violation of contract provisions; fraud or fiscal malfeasance; misuse of government property; or constitutes gross misconduct, incompetency, or inefficiency.
- An “improper vendor/contractor activity” means an activity by a vendor/contractor, or an employee, officer, or board member of a vendor/contractor, in the provision of DDS funded services, that is a violation of a state or federal law or regulation; violation of contract provisions; fraud or fiscal malfeasance; misuse of government property; or constitutes gross misconduct, incompetency, or inefficiency.
DDS will do everything possible to maintain the confidentiality of a complainant making a whistleblower complaint if the complainant requests confidentiality. However, in the rare circumstances where DDS is unable to maintain confidentiality due to its statutory responsibilities (including ensuring the health and safety of consumers and regional center contract compliance), the Department will attempt to inform the complainant of its need to disclose certain information prior to releasing identifying information. Additionally, the identity of the complainant may be revealed to appropriate law enforcement agencies conducting a criminal investigation.
Complaints/Whistleblower
Complaints / Whistleblower
Definition of Regional or Vendor/Contractor Whistleblower Complaints
Regional Center or Vendor/Contractor Whistleblower complaints are defined as the reporting of an “improper regional center or vendor/contractor activity.”
- An “improper regional center activity” means an activity by a regional center, or an employee, officer, or board member of a regional center, in the conduct of regional center business, that is a violation of a state or federal law or regulation; violation of contract provisions; fraud or fiscal malfeasance; misuse of government property; or constitutes gross misconduct, incompetency, or inefficiency.
- An “improper vendor/contractor activity” means an activity by a vendor/contractor, or an employee, officer, or board member of a vendor/contractor, in the provision of DDS funded services, that is a violation of a state or federal law or regulation; violation of contract provisions; fraud or fiscal malfeasance; misuse of government property; or constitutes gross misconduct, incompetency, or inefficiency.
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has a variety of complaint and appeal processes available to vendors/contractors, agencies, facilities, parents, and consumers. These include Consumer Rights Complaints; Complaints, Due Process Requests, and Mediation Conference Requests; Lanterman Act Fair Hearing Requests; Title 17 Complaints; Citizen Complaints and Comments (see Appeals, Complaints & Comments for a complete list). Each of these complaint and appeal processes has separate and distinct procedures for resolution. This process directive relates only to the Regional Center or Vendor/Contractor Whistleblower complaints as described above.
Confidentiality
DDS will do everything possible to maintain the confidentiality of a complainant making a whistleblower complaint if the complainant requests confidentiality. However, in the rare circumstances where DDS is unable to maintain confidentiality due to its statutory responsibilities (including ensuring the health and safety of consumers and regional center contract compliance), the Department will attempt to inform the complainant of its need to disclose certain information prior to releasing identifying information. Additionally, the identity of the complainant may be revealed to appropriate law enforcement agencies conducting a criminal investigation.
How to File a Whistleblower Complaint
A complaint may be filed by contacting:
Community Services Division
1600 9th Street, Room 340 (MS 3-9)
Sacramento, CA 95814
Voice: (916) 651-6309
Fax: (916) 654-3641
For information on how to file a Whistleblower Complaint, click here.
Shows what this word means
Vendor (service provider)
A vendor is a person or agency WRC has approved and pays to give services.
WRC’s definition
Any community agency or professional that provides services purchased by the regional center for its clients. Also known as a Service Provider.
DDS (Department of Developmental Services)
DDS is the state department that funds and oversees California's 21 regional centers.
WRC’s definition
The Department of Developmental Services. This state agency administers the contracts with each regional center and sets many of the regulatory standards for service. The department also operates state developmental centers.
Early Start
Early Start is free help for babies and toddlers under 3 who have a delay or are at risk of one.
WRC’s definition
Some infants and toddlers may need additional support to help them reach their full potential. These services and supports are available via the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities.