IMPORTANT: There are big changes to the appeals process that will happen on March 1, 2023. Please read this information carefully because your rights will change.

This chapter explains how to handle disagreements with regional centers, developmental centers, and service providers including:

• How to appeal when you disagree
• Notice rules for changes in your services or supports
• How to do hearings
• How to do complaints
• Disagreements with providers of services and supports

This information is mostly taken from a state law called the Lanterman Act, which begins at section 4500 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code. We give you the section of this state law where you can find the information we wrote. You may have to look at the law to get the services you need. When you see the word “Section(s),” followed by a number and no other information, it means section(s) of the Lanterman Act. To read the Lanterman Act, click here.