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(4.56) What is “cost-effectiveness” and how does it affect the IPP process?

(4.56) What is “cost-effectiveness” and how does it affect the IPP process?

Parts of the Lanterman Act say regional center services must be cost- effective in achieving your goals and implementing your IPP.[1]Sections 4512(b), 4646(a), 4648(a)(6), 4651(a), and 4685(c)(3). This means the regional center must fund services and supports that get the best results for the money spent.[2]Title 17, Cal. Code Regs., section 58501(a)(6). The regional center can consider cost when choosing among providers who deliver the same services of similar quality. But, it cannot make cost the only factor for whether to provide a needed service to you. The regional center cannot deny a type of service because they think it is not cost-effective. For example, if your IPP goal is to live in your own home with support, the regional center cannotdeny supported living services because you could live in a group home more cheaply. Group home living contradicts your goal of living in your own home.Cost-effective service does not mean least expensive outcome to the regional center. But, in this example, if two supported living services providers could support you in your own home, and one of them charges less, the regional center can use the least costly provider.[3]Section 4648(a)(6).

References
1 Sections 4512(b), 4646(a), 4648(a)(6), 4651(a), and 4685(c)(3).
2 Title 17, Cal. Code Regs., section 58501(a)(6).
3 Section 4648(a)(6).