News and Updates for Providers
Rate Reform Guidance: Hold Harmless Policy Timeline
As part of continued rate reform efforts, and pursuant to the rate implementation timeline in Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 4519.10, this letter provides direction to regional centers regarding an updated hold harmless policy for providers whose rates exceed the fully funded rate models.
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DSP Collaborative Kickoff Webinar
Hosted by L.A. County regional centers and , the Collaborative connects Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) with employment opportunities from participating regional centers and service providers.
Rate Reform Service Acknowledgement Deadline and Provider Directory Update
This directive extends the timeline for completion of rate reform implementation Service Acknowledgement Forms referenced in previous directives issued by the Department of Developmental Services (Department), from March 31 to May 30, 2025.
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State of Emergency in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
On January 7, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, which may affect vendor services for individuals served in these areas.
More about State of Emergency in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
Rate Reform – November 2024
As recommended in the 2019 Rate Study, rate reform includes standardization of service requirements and service codes. Each service description is tied to a service code, with subcodes for all associated variations. Some service codes will remain unchanged, others will be adjusted to incorporate multiple service codes or subcodes, and some will be phased out.
New DDS Provider Directory Launched on October 29, 2024
On October 29, 2024, the Department of Developmental Services launched the new Provider Directory website. Its full capabilities will be released in phases. In the first phase, service providers and designated regional center representatives will be invited to create an account and collaborate to ensure accurate provider information is in the system. will offer incentive payments to service providers through the Quality Incentive Program (QIP). Support, including on-demand training, is available now at www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/provider-directory/
Email providerdirectory@dds.ca.gov with any questions.
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Absence Billing During State of Emergency – August 21, 2023
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a State of Emergency for several counties, listed below, that may affect vendor services in your regional center catchment area. For additional details of the declared State of Emergency, please visit: https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/8.20.23-Emergency-Proclamation.pdf.
The counties where a State of Emergency has been declared are as follows: Fresno, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Tulare, and Ventura.
For these counties, the absence billing directive found here is effective starting Friday, August 18, 2023 with the exception of Mono County for which the directive is effective Sunday, August 20, 2023.
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Monthly Independent Facilitator Round Table – October 3, 2022
WRC invites Independent Facilitators to join us in an open dialogue to build bridges of communication and collaborate on the implementation of at WRC. 1st Tuesday of every Month at 5:00 pm via Zoom.
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Understanding the HCBS Final Rule – September 1, 2022
A one-hour webinar for families and service providers on the basics of the Home and Community-Based Services Final Rule and how it applies to the developmental disabilities services system. This event is for people served by regional centers, their families, and service providers who want to learn more about this important new policy. Register online for this event held on Thursday, September 22 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM.
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Language Access and Cultural Competency Plan
Discover how the Language Access and Cultural Competency Plan is transforming Westside Regional Center with its focus on enhancing language access and cultural understanding. Funded to improve individual and family experiences, this initiative ensures consistent access to information and services for diverse cultural and linguistic groups. Click ‘Learn More’ to read Westside Regional Center’s Year 1 Application Report, which includes details on the implementation timeline, budget allocation, and performance evaluation measures to gauge the success and impact of the initiative.
Wellness and Safety Bulletin – July 2022
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is excited to share the latest Wellness and Safety Bulletin posted on the DDS Wellness Toolkit. This bulletin addresses Safe Medication Management. Safe and accurate medication management is an important component of care and supervision. Medication errors are the second most frequent special incident reported to DDS. This bulletin provides relevant health and safety information as part of DDS’ ongoing effort to improve our collective management of risks to the wellness of the individuals that we serve.
Call for Employment Grant Applications – June 29, 2022
In 2021, DDS received $10 million in funding to establish a grant program to improve access to services that increase pathways to employment. Please see below for more information on the grant structure, funding information, and grant guidelines.
More about Call for Employment Grant Applications – June 29, 2022
2022 DSP Workforce Survey – May 2022
California is collecting data from agencies that employ Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) about factors that impact the workforce. There is an $8,000 incentive payment for agencies that complete the survey. The DSP workforce is experiencing challenges such as high turnover and vacancy rates, which can affect the lives of individuals needing support. Stakeholders have expressed support for learning more about the employment of DSPs to inform policy changes, designing recruitment and retention efforts, and examining the impact of rate increases over time. The data collection effort will establish baseline information from which DDS, agencies, and stakeholders may assess challenges, evaluate the impact of existing initiatives and shape future policies to improve workforce stability.
Tracking COVID-19 Incidence – March 10, 2022
Beginning March 14, 2022, the requirements for completing COVID-19 special incident reports (SIRs) as specified in the Department’s May 22, 2020 Directive are amended.
COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave – February 19, 2022
Covered employees in public or private sectors who work for employers with 26 or more employees are entitled to up to 80 hours of 2022 COVID-19 related paid sick leave from January 1, 2022, through September 30, 2022, immediately upon an oral or written request to their employer, with up to 40 of those hours available only when an employee or family member tests positive for COVID-19.
Minimum Wage Increase – December 17, 2021
Due to the enactment of Senate Bill (SB) 3, the California minimum wage will increase to $15.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2022, for employers with 26 or more employees, and to $14.00 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees. As a result, a number of regional center vendors may be for a rate adjustment in order to pay employees the new minimum wage.
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.
Self-Determination Program
The Self-Determination Program is a way to get WRC services where you choose your own providers and manage a budget.
WRC’s definition
The California statewide Self-Determination Program is a voluntary alternative to the traditional way of providing regional center services.
Eligibility
Eligibility is whether a person can get WRC services. WRC decides it after an assessment.
WRC’s definition
The process to determine whether, and to what degree, an individual has developmental deficits. An assessment identifies the individual’s strengths, abilities, needs, and developmental level.