AB 563: Developmental services.

The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act requires the State Department of Developmental Services to contract with regional centers to provide services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities. Under existing law, the regional centers purchase needed services for individuals with developmental disabilities through approved service providers or arrange for those services through other publicly funded agencies. The services and supports to be provided to a regional center consumer are contained in an individual program plan or individualized family service plan, developed in accordance with prescribed requirements.

This bill would require the State Department of Developmental Services and the California Department of Aging Aging, in consultation with certain stakeholders, to develop best practices for providing culturally competent services and supports to aging consumers with developmental and intellectual disabilities, as specified. The bill would require the State Department of Developmental Services to conduct a 2-year pilot program that implements those best practices in 3 regional centers that reflect the geographic diversity of California and, after the conclusion of the pilot program, by January 1, 2020, submit a report, as specified, evaluating the pilot program to the Legislature. These provisions would be repealed January 1, 2021.