IMPORTANT: This information will change on March 1, 2023

1. Ask for a Hearing – You can ask for a hearing in person, over the phone, or in writing.
2. Regional Center Response – The regional center must send you a notice that recognizes your request for a hearing.^[1]§§ 4710.6(a)-(c). If you did not get a notice from the regional center, they must send you one with all the information required for an “adequate notice.”^[2]§§ 4710.6(a)-(c).
3. Fair Hearing Request Form – When you tell the regional center you want a fair hearing, the regional center must give you a fair hearing request form. If you need help filling out the form, the regional center must help you.^[3]§ 4710.5(b) & (c).
4. Informal Meeting – If you want to have an informal meeting, regional center must hold one. You and the regional center must agree on a time for the meeting.^[4]§ 4710.6(a). The regional center must send you a written notice to confirm the date, time, and place of your informal meeting. The notice must also say you can refuse to have an informal meeting.^[5]§ 4710.6(b). 
5. Mediation – Mediation is when an independent, trained person (“mediator”) helps you come to an agreement that is fair and okay for you and the regional center. We recommend mediation. Both you and the regional center can decide not to mediate. If you ask for mediation in writing, the regional center has 5 working days to decide if they want mediation.^[6]§ 4711.5(a). Even if you choose not to have mediation, you still have a right to a fair hearing. It is your choice.^[7]§ 4710.9(b).
6. Fair Hearing – You have a right to a hearing before a judge no more than 50 days after the regional center receives your request for hearing.^[8]§ 4712(a). The judge is called an Administrative Law Judge or hearing officer. If you or the regional center asks, and has a good reason, the hearing officer may let the hearing be later. (See Question 26.)
7. Fair Hearing Decision – The judge must give a decision no more than 10 working days after your hearing ends. This cannot be more than 80 days after you ask for a hearing.^[9]§ 4712.5(a).
8. Appeal a Fair Hearing Decision – If you disagree with the hearing decision, you have 90 days to file a Writ of Administrative Mandamus in superior court.^[10]§ 4712.5(a).

IMPORTANT: THE APPEAL PROCESS STEPS WILL CHANGE ON MARCH 1, 2023. After March 1, 2023:

• You will file all appeals with DDS instead of the regional center.
• DDS will send a copy of the appeal to the regional center.
• DDS will send a copy to the appeal to the Office of Administrative Hearings if you requested mediation or a hearing.
• If you asked for an informal meeting, the regional center must hold an informal meeting within 10 calendar days of when you appealed,
• If you asked for a mediation, the regional center must take part in it. OAH must hold the mediation within 30 calendar days of when you appealed.
• OAH must hold the hearing within 50 calendar days of when you appealed.
• You must get your decision within 90 calendar days of when you appealed.
• If you request a continuance, these timelines will be extended.