Once you and the regional center agree on the services and supports you need, the regional center must get them for you. It can do that in many ways, including:
Get Services from Generic Agencies
The regional center can help you get services from another agency that provides services to the public, such as school, Medi-Cal or IHSS. These are called “generic agencies.”[1]Section 4647(a). A “generic agency” is a government agency that has a legal responsibility to serve all members of the general public and is receiving public funds to do so. Title 17, Cal. Code … Continue reading If a generic agency can provide a service you need, regional centers must help you get that service from that agency before they pay for the service.[2]Sections 4648(a)(8), 4659.7, and 4646.5(a)(5). This is a good idea, but in practice it can cause problems. Sometimes the regional center tells you to go to a generic agency without making sure the needed services are available or they will meet your needs. The regional center is responsible for advocating for you to make sure the services you are eligible for from another agency are actually provided.[3]Section 4648(b).
Purchase Services and Supports from Service Providers (Vendors)
The regional center can purchase services for you directly from a service provider. The regional center can go to a service provider, an agency, or a person it already has an agreement with, or it can contract separately with a new agency or person.[4]Section 4648(a)(3). The regional center must find providers who can meet your needs.
Provide You with Vouchers
The regional center can provide you with a “voucher” for the services or equipment you need.[5]Section 4648(a)(4). Vouchers are like payment coupons. The voucher lets you (or your family, where appropriate) select who will do the service.[6]Section 4512(i). The regional center still has to make sure the service or item is available.
Develop Services If They Do Not Exist
When good quality services are not available or need to be expanded, a regional center can find a person or an agency by “Request for Proposal” (RFP) or other means.[7]Section 4648(e)(1).
Request Funds from the State
Regional centers can request money from the Program Development Fund or the community placement plan to reimburse the start-up costs needed to start a new program or services and supports that you need. [8]Section 4648(e)(2).
Use Creative/Innovative Means
Regional centers can use creative and innovative service delivery models, including asking about natural supports, such as willing friends or relatives of the consumer.[9]Section 4648(e)(3).
Provide Direct Treatment and Supports in an Emergency Situation
Generally, regional centers cannot provide direct treatment and therapeutic services. Instead, they have to use appropriate public and private community agencies. But in an emergency, regional centers can provide direct treatment and therapeutic services.[10]Section 4648(f).
DDS Can Provide Services Directly
To meet your IPP goals in rare situations “where there are identified gaps in the system of services and supports or where there are identified consumers for whom no provider will provide services and supports contained in his or her individual program plan,” DDS may provide services and supports directly.[11]Section 4648(g).
↑1 | Section 4647(a). A “generic agency” is a government agency that has a legal responsibility to serve all members of the general public and is receiving public funds to do so. Title 17, Cal. Code Regs., section 54302(a)(31). |
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↑2 | Sections 4648(a)(8), 4659.7, and 4646.5(a)(5). |
↑3 | Section 4648(b). |
↑4 | Section 4648(a)(3). |
↑5 | Section 4648(a)(4). |
↑6 | Section 4512(i). |
↑7 | Section 4648(e)(1). |
↑8 | Section 4648(e)(2). |
↑9 | Section 4648(e)(3). |
↑10 | Section 4648(f). |
↑11 | Section 4648(g). |