Existing law, the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, requires the State Department of Developmental Services to contract with regional centers for the provision of community services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities and their families. Existing law requires the department, on or before March 1, 2019, to submit a rate study to specified committees of the Legislature regarding community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Existing law requires the department to implement rate increases between April 1, 2022, and July 1, 2025, to raise service providers’ rates based on a formula that takes into account the fully funded rate reflected in the rate models that were included in the rate study.

This bill would require the department, commencing on July 1, 2025, and every other year thereafter, subject to appropriation and the approval of federal funds, to review and update the rate models, as defined, per the cost inputs available at the time of the review. The bill would also require the department to post the updated rate models to its internet website no later than January 1 of the following year.