Bill Text: CA SB368 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Amended
NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft
Bill Title: Developmental services: decisionmaking.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2011-10-04 - Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 471, Statutes of 2011. [SB368 Detail]
Download: California-2011-SB368-Amended.html
Bill Title: Developmental services: decisionmaking.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2011-10-04 - Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 471, Statutes of 2011. [SB368 Detail]
Download: California-2011-SB368-Amended.html
BILL NUMBER: SB 368 AMENDED
BILL TEXT
AMENDED IN SENATE MAY 31, 2011
AMENDED IN SENATE APRIL 4, 2011
INTRODUCED BY Senator Liu
FEBRUARY 15, 2011
An act to amend Sections 319, 361, 706.5, 726, 4514, 4646, 4646.5,
4648, and 4701.6 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to
developmental services.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 368, as amended, Liu. Developmental services: decisionmaking.
Existing law authorizes a peace officer, without a warrant, to
take into temporary custody a minor when the officer has reasonable
cause for believing that the minor is in danger, as specified.
Existing law provides for a hearing process to deem the child a
dependent child of the court. Under existing law, during the hearing
process the court is authorized to temporarily limit the right of a
parent or guardian to make educational decisions for the child and to
temporarily appoint, or make itself, these decisions, as specified.
Under existing law, once the minor is adjudged a dependent child of
the court, the court may limit the ability of a parent or guardian to
make educational decisions for the minor.
This bill would authorize the court to limit the right of a parent
or guardian to make decisions about developmental services and to
appoint a responsible adult, or to make itself, those decisions, as
specified.
Under existing law, a minor may be adjudged a ward of the court
for specified reasons. The court may limit the control to be
exercised over the ward by a parent or guardian, including
educational decisionmaking, and appoint a responsible adult, as
specified, to make those decisions.
This bill would extend those provisions to decisions relating to
developmental services.
Under existing law, the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities
Services Act, the State Department of Developmental Services is
authorized to contract with regional centers to provide support and
services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The services
and supports to be provided to a regional center consumer are
contained in an individual program plan (IPP), developed in
accordance with prescribed requirements through an individual program
planning process. Existing law defines "authorized representative"
for purposes of the act to include a person having legal custody of a
minor claimant or a person with written authority to act as
representative of the claimant.
This bill would add to the definition of "authorized
representative" a responsible adult appointed through a court order
made pursuant to the limitation of developmental services
decisionmaking authority, as set forth above, and who does not have a
conflict of interest, as defined. The bill would give the
authorized representative rights to access the minor's information,
participate in the IPP process, participate in the fair hearing
process, and provide written consent for purposes of establishing
eligibility for regional center services and supports to the same
extent as that provided under the law to parents, legal guardians,
and conservators.
Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Section 319 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
319. (a) At the initial petition hearing, the court shall examine
the child's parents, guardians, or other persons having relevant
knowledge and hear the relevant evidence as the child, the child's
parents or guardians, the petitioner, or their counsel desires to
present. The court may examine the child, as provided in Section 350.
(b) The social worker shall report to the court on the reasons why
the child has been removed from the parent's physical custody, the
need, if any, for continued detention, the available services and the
referral methods to those services that could facilitate the return
of the child to the custody of the child's parents or guardians, and
whether there are any relatives who are able and willing to take
temporary physical custody of the child. The court shall order the
release of the child from custody unless a prima facie showing has
been made that the child comes within Section 300, the court finds
that continuance in the parent's or guardian's home is contrary to
the child's welfare, and any of the following circumstances exist:
(1) There is a substantial danger to the physical health of the
child or the child is suffering severe emotional damage, and there
are no reasonable means by which the child's physical or emotional
health may be protected without removing the child from the parent's
or guardian's physical custody.
(2) There is substantial evidence that a parent, guardian, or
custodian of the child is likely to flee the jurisdiction of the
court.
(3) The child has left a placement in which he or she was placed
by the juvenile court.
(4) The child indicates an unwillingness to return home, if the
child has been physically or sexually abused by a person residing in
the home.
(c) If the matter is continued pursuant to Section 322 or for any
other reason, the court shall find that the continuance of the child
in the parent's or guardian's home is contrary to the child's welfare
at the initial petition hearing or order the release of the child
from custody.
(d) (1) The court shall also make a determination on the record,
referencing the social worker's report or other evidence relied upon,
as to whether reasonable efforts were made to prevent or eliminate
the need for removal of the child from his or her home, pursuant to
subdivision (b) of Section 306, and whether there are available
services that would prevent the need for further detention. Services
to be considered for purposes of making this determination are case
management, counseling, emergency shelter care, emergency in-home
caretakers, out-of-home respite care, teaching and demonstrating
homemakers, parenting training, transportation, and any other child
welfare services authorized by the State Department of Social
Services pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 16500) of
Part 4 of Division 9. The court shall also review whether the social
worker has considered whether a referral to public assistance
services pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11200) and
Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 14000) of Part 3, Chapter 1
(commencing with Section 17000) of Part 5, and Chapter 10 (commencing
with Section 18900) of Part 6 of Division 9 would have eliminated
the need to take temporary custody of the child or would prevent the
need for further detention.
(2) If the child can be returned to the custody of his or her
parent or guardian through the provision of those services, the court
shall place the child with his or her parent or guardian and order
that the services shall be provided. If the child cannot be returned
to the physical custody of his or her parent or guardian, the court
shall determine if there is a relative who is able and willing to
care for the child, and has been assessed pursuant to paragraph (1)
of subdivision (d) of Section 309.
(e) If a court orders a child detained, the court shall state the
facts on which the decision is based, specify why the initial removal
was necessary, reference the social worker's report or other
evidence relied upon to make its determination whether continuance in
the home of the parent or legal guardian is contrary to the child's
welfare, order temporary placement and care of the child to be vested
with the county child welfare department pending the hearing held
pursuant to Section 355 or further order of the court, and order
services to be provided as soon as possible to reunify the child and
his or her family if appropriate.
(f) (1) If the child is not released from custody, the court may
order that the child shall be placed in the assessed home of a
relative, in an emergency shelter or other suitable licensed place,
in a place exempt from licensure designated by the juvenile court, or
in the assessed home of a nonrelative extended family member as
defined in Section 362.7 for a period not to exceed 15 judicial days.
(2) As used in this section, "relative" means an adult who is
related to the child by blood, adoption, or affinity within the fifth
degree of kinship, including stepparents, stepsiblings, and all
relatives whose status is preceded by the words "great,"
"great-great," or "grand," or the spouse of any of these persons,
even if the marriage was terminated by death or dissolution. However,
only the following relatives shall be given preferential
consideration for placement of the child: an adult who is a
grandparent, aunt, uncle, or sibling of the child.
(3) The court shall consider the recommendations of the social
worker based on the assessment pursuant to paragraph (1) of
subdivision (d) of Section 309 of the relative's home, including the
results of a criminal records check and prior child abuse
allegations, if any, prior to ordering that the child be placed with
a relative. The court shall order the parent to disclose to the
social worker the names, residences, and any known identifying
information of any maternal or paternal relatives of the child. The
social worker shall initiate the assessment pursuant to Section 361.3
of any relative to be considered for continuing placement.
(g) (1) At the initial hearing upon the petition filed in
accordance with subdivision (c) of Rule 5.520 of the California Rules
of Court or anytime thereafter up until the time that the minor is
adjudged a dependent child of the court or a finding is made
dismissing the petition, the court may temporarily limit the right of
the parent or guardian to make educational or developmental services
decisions for the child and temporarily appoint a responsible adult
to make educational or developmental services decisions for the child
if all of the following conditions are found:
(A) The parent or guardian is unavailable, unable, or unwilling to
exercise educational or developmental services rights for the child.
(B) The county placing agency has made diligent efforts to locate
and secure the participation of the parent or guardian in educational
or developmental services decisionmaking.
(C) The child's educational and developmental services needs
cannot be met without the temporary appointment of a responsible
adult.
(2) If the court cannot identify a responsible adult to make
educational decisions for the child and the appointment of a
surrogate parent, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 56050 of
the Education Code, is not warranted, the court may, with the input
of any interested person, make educational decisions for the child.
If the court cannot identify a responsible adult to make
developmental services decisions for the child, the court may, with
the input of the any interested person, make developmental services
decisions for the child. If the court makes educational or
developmental services decisions for the child, the court shall also
issue appropriate orders to ensure that every effort is made to
identify a responsible adult to make future educational or
developmental services decisions for the child.
(3) Any temporary appointment of a responsible adult and temporary
limitation on the right of the parent or guardian to make
educational or developmental services decisions for the child shall
be specifically addressed in the court order. Any order made under
this section shall expire at the conclusion of the hearing held
pursuant to Section 361 or upon dismissal of the petition. Upon the
entering of disposition orders, any additional needed limitation on
the parent's or guardian's educational or developmental services
rights shall be addressed pursuant to Section 361.
SEC. 2. Section 361 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
361. (a) In all cases in which a minor is adjudged a dependent
child of the court on the ground that the minor is a person described
by Section 300, the court may limit the control to be exercised over
the dependent child by any parent or guardian and shall by its order
clearly and specifically set forth all those limitations. Any
limitation on the right of the parent or guardian to make educational
or developmental services decisions for the child shall be
specifically addressed in the court order. The limitations may not
exceed those necessary to protect the child. If the court
specifically limits the right of the parent or guardian to make
educational or developmental services decisions for the child, the
court shall at the same time appoint a responsible adult to make
educational or developmental services decisions for the child until
one of the following occurs:
(1) The minor reaches 18 years of age, unless the child chooses
not to make educational or developmental services decisions for
himself or herself, or is deemed by the court to be incompetent.
(2) Another responsible adult is appointed to make educational or
developmental services decisions for the minor pursuant to this
section.
(3) The right of the parent or guardian to make educational or
developmental services decisions for the minor is fully restored.
(4) A successor guardian or conservator is appointed.
(5) The child is placed into a planned permanent living
arrangement pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (g) of Section
366.21, Section 366.22, or Section 366.26, at which time, for
educational decisionmaking, the foster parent, relative caretaker, or
nonrelative extended family member as defined in Section 362.7, has
the right to represent the child in educational matters pursuant to
Section 56055 of the Education Code, and for decisions relating to
developmental services, the foster parent, relative caregiver, or
nonrelative extended family member of the planned permanent living
arrangement shall become the authorized representative for the child
pursuant to Section 4701.6 unless the court specifies otherwise in a
court order.
An individual who would have a conflict of interest in
representing the child may not be appointed to make educational or
developmental services decisions. For purposes of this section, "an
individual who would have a conflict of interest," means a person
having any interests that might restrict or bias his or her ability
to make educational or developmental services decisions, including,
but not limited to, those conflicts of interest prohibited by Section
1126 of the Government Code, and the receipt of compensation or
attorneys' fees for the provision of services pursuant to this
section. A foster parent may not be deemed to have a conflict of
interest solely because he or she receives compensation for the
provision of services pursuant to this section.
If the court is unable to appoint a responsible adult to make
educational decisions for the child and paragraphs (1) to (5),
inclusive, do not apply, and the child has either been referred to
the local educational agency for special education and related
services, or has a valid individualized education program, the court
shall refer the child to the local educational agency for appointment
of a surrogate parent pursuant to Section 7579.5 of the Government
Code.
If the court cannot identify a responsible adult to make
educational decisions for the child, the appointment of a surrogate
parent as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 56050 of the
Education Code is not warranted, and there is no foster parent to
exercise the authority granted by Section 56055 of the Education
Code, the court may, with the input of any interested person, make
educational decisions for the child.
If the court cannot identify a responsible adult to make
developmental services decisions for the child, the court may, with
the input of any interested person, make developmental services
decisions for the child.
All educational and school placement decisions shall seek to
ensure that the child is in the least restrictive educational
programs and has access to the academic resources, services, and
extracurricular and enrichment activities that are available to all
pupils. In all instances, educational and school placement decisions
shall be based on the best interests of the child.
(b) Subdivision (a) does not limit the ability of a parent to
voluntarily relinquish his or her child to the State Department of
Social Services or to a licensed county adoption agency at any time
while the child is a dependent child of the juvenile court, if the
department or agency is willing to accept the relinquishment.
(c) A dependent child may not be taken from the physical custody
of his or her parents or guardian or guardians with whom the child
resides at the time the petition was initiated, unless the juvenile
court finds clear and convincing evidence of any of the following
circumstances listed in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, and, in an
Indian child custody proceeding, paragraph (6):
(1) There is or would be a substantial danger to the physical
health, safety, protection, or physical or emotional well-being of
the minor if the minor were returned home, and there are no
reasonable means by which the minor's physical health can be
protected without removing the minor from the minor's parent's or
guardian's physical custody. The fact that a minor has been
adjudicated a dependent child of the court pursuant to subdivision
(e) of Section 300 shall constitute prima facie evidence that the
minor cannot be safely left in the physical custody of the parent or
guardian with whom the minor resided at the time of injury. The court
shall consider, as a reasonable means to protect the minor, the
option of removing an offending parent or guardian from the home. The
court shall also consider, as a reasonable means to protect the
minor, allowing a nonoffending parent or guardian to retain physical
custody as long as that parent or guardian presents a plan acceptable
to the court demonstrating that he or she will be able to protect
the child from future harm.
(2) The parent or guardian of the minor is unwilling to have
physical custody of the minor, and the parent or guardian has been
notified that if the minor remains out of their physical custody for
the period specified in Section 366.26, the minor may be declared
permanently free from their custody and control.
(3) The minor is suffering severe emotional damage, as indicated
by extreme anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or untoward aggressive
behavior toward himself or herself or others, and there are no
reasonable means by which the minor's emotional health may be
protected without removing the minor from the physical custody of his
or her parent or guardian.
(4) The minor or a sibling of the minor has been sexually abused,
or is deemed to be at substantial risk of being sexually abused, by a
parent, guardian, or member of his or her household, or other person
known to his or her parent, and there are no reasonable means by
which the minor can be protected from further sexual abuse or a
substantial risk of sexual abuse without removing the minor from his
or her parent or guardian, or the minor does not wish to return to
his or her parent or guardian.
(5) The minor has been left without any provision for his or her
support, or a parent who has been incarcerated or institutionalized
cannot arrange for the care of the minor, or a relative or other
adult custodian with whom the child has been left by the parent is
unwilling or unable to provide care or support for the child and the
whereabouts of the parent is unknown and reasonable efforts to locate
him or her have been unsuccessful.
(6) In an Indian child custody proceeding, continued custody of
the child by the parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in
serious emotional or physical damage to the child, and that finding
is supported by testimony of a "qualified expert witness" as
described in Section 224.6.
(A) Stipulation by the parent, Indian custodian, or the Indian
child's tribe, or failure to object, may waive the requirement of
producing evidence of the likelihood of serious damage only if the
court is satisfied that the party has been fully advised of the
requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et
seq.), and has knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waived them.
(B) Failure to meet non-Indian family and child-rearing community
standards, or the existence of other behavior or conditions that meet
the removal standards of this section, will not support an order for
placement in the absence of the finding in this paragraph.
(d) The court shall make a determination as to whether reasonable
efforts were made to prevent or to eliminate the need for removal of
the minor from his or her home or, if the minor is removed for one of
the reasons stated in paragraph (5) of subdivision (c), whether it
was reasonable under the circumstances not to make any of those
efforts, or, in the case of an Indian child custody proceeding,
whether active efforts as required in Section 361.7 were made and
that these efforts have proved unsuccessful. The court shall state
the facts on which the decision to remove the minor is based.
(e) The court shall make all of the findings required by
subdivision (a) of Section 366 in either of the following
circumstances:
(1) The minor has been taken from the custody of his or her parent
or guardian and has been living in an out-of-home placement pursuant
to Section 319.
(2) The minor has been living in a voluntary out-of-home placement
pursuant to Section 16507.4.
SEC. 3. Section 706.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
706.5. (a) If placement in foster care is recommended by the
probation officer, or where the minor is already in foster care
placement or pending placement pursuant to an earlier order, the
social study prepared by the probation officer that is received into
evidence at disposition pursuant to Section 706 shall include a case
plan, as described in Section 706.6. If the court elects to hold the
first status review at the disposition hearing, the social study
shall also include, but not be limited to, the factual material
described in subdivision (c).
(b) If placement in foster care is not recommended by the
probation officer prior to disposition, but the court orders foster
care placement, the court shall order the probation officer to
prepare a case plan, as described in Section 706.6, within 30 days of
the placement order. The case plan shall be filed with the court.
(c) At each status review hearing, the social study shall include,
but not be limited to, an updated case plan as described in Section
706.6 and the following information:
(1) The continuing necessity for and appropriateness of the
placement.
(2) The extent of the probation department's compliance with the
case plan in making reasonable efforts to safely return the minor to
the minor's home or to complete whatever steps are necessary to
finalize the permanent placement of the minor.
(3) The extent of progress that has been made by the minor and
parent or guardian toward alleviating or mitigating the causes
necessitating placement in foster care.
(4) If the first permanency planning hearing has not yet occurred,
the social study shall include the likely date by which the minor
may be returned to and safely maintained in the home or placed for
adoption, appointed a legal guardian, permanently placed with a fit
and willing relative, or referred to another planned permanent living
arrangement.
(5) Whether the minor has been or will be referred to educational
services and what services the minor is receiving, including special
education and related services if the minor has exceptional needs as
described in Part 30 (commencing with Section 56000) of Division 4 of
Title 2 of the Education Code or accommodations if the child has
disabilities as described in Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 701)
of Title 29 of the United States Code Annotated. The probation
officer or child advocate shall solicit comments from the appropriate
local education agency prior to completion of the social study.
(6) If the parent or guardian is unwilling or unable to
participate in making an educational or developmental services
decision for his or her child, or if other circumstances exist that
compromise the ability of the parent or guardian to make educational
or developmental services decisions for the child, the probation
department shall consider whether the right of the parent or guardian
to make educational or developmental services decisions for the
minor should be limited. If the study makes that recommendation, it
shall identify whether there is a responsible adult available to make
educational or developmental services decisions for the minor
pursuant to Section 726.
(d) At each permanency planning hearing, the social study shall
include, but not be limited to, an updated case plan as described in
Section 706.6, the factual material described in subdivision (c) of
this section, and a recommended permanent plan for the minor.
SEC. 4. Section 726 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
726. (a) In all cases in which a minor is adjudged a ward or
dependent child of the court, the court may limit the control to be
exercised over the ward or dependent child by any parent or guardian
and shall in its order, clearly and specifically set forth all those
limitations, but no ward or dependent child shall be taken from the
physical custody of a parent or guardian, unless upon the hearing the
court finds one of the following facts:
(1) That the parent or guardian is incapable of providing or has
failed or neglected to provide proper maintenance, training, and
education for the minor.
(2) That the minor has been tried on probation while in custody
and has failed to reform.
(3) That the welfare of the minor requires that custody be taken
from the minor's parent or guardian.
(b) Whenever the court specifically limits the right of the parent
or guardian to make educational or developmental services decisions
for the minor, the court shall at the same time appoint a responsible
adult to make educational or developmental services decisions for
the child until one of the following occurs:
(1) The minor reaches 18 years of age, unless the child chooses
not to make educational or developmental services decisions for
himself or herself, or is deemed by the court to be incompetent.
(2) Another responsible adult is appointed to make educational or
developmental services decisions for the minor pursuant to this
section.
(3) The right of the parent or guardian to make educational or
developmental services decisions for the minor is fully restored.
(4) A successor guardian or conservator is appointed.
(5) The child is placed into a planned permanent living
arrangement pursuant to paragraph (5) or (6) of subdivision (b) of
Section 727.3, at which time, for educational decisionmaking, the
foster parent, relative caretaker, or nonrelative extended family
member as defined in Section 362.7 has the right to represent the
child in educational matters pursuant to Section 56055 of the
Education Code, and for decisions relating to developmental services,
the foster parent, relative caregiver, or nonrelative extended
family member of the planned permanent living arrangement shall
become the authorized representative for the child pursuant to
Section 4701.6 unless the court specifies otherwise in a court order.
An individual who would have a conflict of interest in
representing the child, as specified under federal regulations, may
not be appointed to make educational decisions. The limitations
applicable to conflicts of interest for educational rights holders
shall also apply to authorized representatives for developmental
services decisions pursuant to Section 4701.6. For purposes of this
section, "an individual who would have a conflict of interest," means
a person having any interests that might restrict or bias his or her
ability to make educational or developmental services decisions,
including, but not limited to, those conflicts of interest prohibited
by Section 1126 of the Government Code, and the receipt of
compensation or attorneys' fees for the provision of services
pursuant to this section. A foster parent may not be deemed to have a
conflict of interest solely because he or she receives compensation
for the provision of services pursuant to this section.
If the court is unable to appoint a responsible adult to make
educational decisions for the child and paragraphs (1) to (5),
inclusive, do not apply, and the child has either been referred to
the local educational agency for special education and related
services, or has a valid individualized education program, the court
shall refer the child to the local educational agency for appointment
of a surrogate parent pursuant to Section 7579.5 of the Government
Code.
All educational and school placement decisions shall seek to
ensure that the child is in the least restrictive educational
programs and has access to the academic resources, services, and
extracurricular and enrichment activities that are available to all
pupils. In all instances, educational and school placement decisions
shall be based on the best interests of the child.
(c) If the minor is removed from the physical custody of his or
her parent or guardian as the result of an order of wardship made
pursuant to Section 602, the order shall specify that the minor may
not be held in physical confinement for a period in excess of the
maximum term of imprisonment which could be imposed upon an adult
convicted of the offense or offenses which brought or continued the
minor under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.
As used in this section and in Section 731, "maximum term of
imprisonment" means the longest of the three time periods set forth
in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a)
of Section 1170 of the Penal Code, but without the need to
follow the provisions of subdivision (b) of Section 1170 of the Penal
Code or to consider time for good behavior or participation pursuant
to Sections 2930, 2931, and 2932 of the Penal Code, plus
enhancements which must be proven if pled.
If the court elects to aggregate the period of physical
confinement on multiple counts or multiple petitions, including
previously sustained petitions adjudging the minor a ward within
Section 602, the "maximum term of imprisonment" shall be the
aggregate term of imprisonment specified in subdivision (a) of
Section 1170.1 of the Penal Code, which includes any additional term
imposed pursuant to Section 667, 667.5, 667.6, or 12022.1 of the
Penal Code, and Section 11370.2 of the Health and Safety Code.
If the charged offense is a misdemeanor or a felony not included
within the scope of Section 1170 of the Penal Code, the "maximum term
of imprisonment" is the longest term of imprisonment prescribed by
law.
"Physical confinement" means placement in a juvenile hall, ranch,
camp, forestry camp or secure juvenile home pursuant to Section 730,
or in any institution operated by the Youth Authority.
This section does not limit the power of the court to retain
jurisdiction over a minor and to make appropriate orders pursuant to
Section 727 for the period permitted by Section 607.
SEC. 5. Section 4514 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, as
amended by Section 100 of Chapter 178 of the Statutes of 2010, is
amended to read:
4514. All information and records obtained in the course of
providing intake, assessment, and services under Division 4.1
(commencing with Section 4400), Division 4.5 (commencing with Section
4500), Division 6 (commencing with Section 6000), or Division 7
(commencing with Section 7100) to persons with developmental
disabilities shall be confidential. Information and records obtained
in the course of providing similar services to either voluntary or
involuntary recipients prior to 1969 shall also be confidential.
Information and records shall be disclosed only in any of the
following cases:
(a) In communications between qualified professional persons,
whether employed by a regional center or state developmental center,
or not, in the provision of intake, assessment, and services or
appropriate referrals. The consent of the person with a developmental
disability, or his or her guardian or conservator, shall be obtained
before information or records may be disclosed by regional center or
state developmental center personnel to a professional not employed
by the regional center or state developmental center, or a program
not vendored by a regional center or state developmental center.
(b) When the person with a developmental disability, who has the
capacity to give informed consent, designates individuals to whom
information or records may be released, except that nothing in this
chapter shall be construed to compel a physician, psychologist,
social worker, marriage and family therapist, nurse, attorney, or
other professional to reveal information that has been given to him
or her in confidence by a family member of the person unless a valid
release has been executed by that family member.
(c) To the extent necessary for a claim, or for a claim or
application to be made on behalf of a person with a developmental
disability for aid, insurance, government benefit, or medical
assistance to which he or she may be entitled.
(d) If the person with a developmental disability is a minor,
dependent, ward, or conservatee, and his or her parent, guardian,
conservator, limited conservator with access to confidential records,
or authorized representative, designates, in writing, persons to
whom records or information may be disclosed, except that nothing in
this chapter shall be construed to compel a physician, psychologist,
social worker, marriage and family therapist, nurse, attorney, or
other professional to reveal information that has been given to him
or her in confidence by a family member of the person unless a valid
release has been executed by that family member.
(e) For research, provided that the Director of Developmental
Services designates by regulation rules for the conduct of research
and requires the research to be first reviewed by the appropriate
institutional review board or boards. These rules shall include, but
need not be limited to, the requirement that all researchers shall
sign an oath of confidentiality as follows:
"" ____________________________
Date
As a condition of doing research concerning persons with
developmental disabilities who have received services from ____ (fill
in the facility, agency or person), I, ____, agree to obtain the
prior informed consent of persons who have received services to the
maximum degree possible as determined by the appropriate
institutional review board or boards for protection of human subjects
reviewing my research, or the person's parent, guardian, or
conservator, and I further agree not to divulge any information
obtained in the course of the research to unauthorized persons, and
not to publish or otherwise make public any information regarding
persons who have received services so those persons who received
services are identifiable.
I recognize that the unauthorized release of confidential
information may make me subject to a civil action under provisions of
the Welfare and Institutions Code.
________________________''
Signed
(f) To the courts, as necessary to the administration of justice.
(g) To governmental law enforcement agencies as needed for the
protection of federal and state elective constitutional officers and
their families.
(h) To the Senate Committee on Rules or the Assembly Committee on
Rules for the purposes of legislative investigation authorized by the
committee.
(i) To the courts and designated parties as part of a regional
center report or assessment in compliance with a statutory or
regulatory requirement, including, but not limited to, Section 1827.5
of the Probate Code, Sections 1001.22 and 1370.1 of the Penal Code,
Section 6502 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and Section 56557
of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations.
(j) To the attorney for the person with a developmental disability
in any and all proceedings upon presentation of a release of
information signed by the person, except that when the person lacks
the capacity to give informed consent, the regional center or state
developmental center director or designee, upon satisfying himself or
herself of the identity of the attorney, and of the fact that the
attorney represents the person, shall release all information and
records relating to the person except that nothing in this article
shall be construed to compel a physician, psychologist, social
worker, marriage and family therapist, nurse, attorney, or other
professional to reveal information that has been given to him or her
in confidence by a family member of the person unless a valid release
has been executed by that family member.
(k) Upon written consent by a person with a developmental
disability previously or presently receiving services from a regional
center or state developmental center, the director of the regional
center or state developmental center, or his or her designee, may
release any information, except information that has been given in
confidence by members of the family of the person with developmental
disabilities, requested by a probation officer charged with the
evaluation of the person after his or her conviction of a crime if
the regional center or state developmental center director or
designee determines that the information is relevant to the
evaluation. The consent shall only be operative until sentence is
passed on the crime of which the person was convicted. The
confidential information released pursuant to this subdivision shall
be transmitted to the court separately from the probation report and
shall not be placed in the probation report. The confidential
information shall remain confidential except for purposes of
sentencing. After sentencing, the confidential information shall be
sealed.
( l ) Between persons who are trained and qualified to
serve on "multidisciplinary personnel" teams pursuant to subdivision
(d) of Section 18951. The information and records sought to be
disclosed shall be relevant to the prevention, identification,
management, or treatment of an abused child and his or her parents
pursuant to Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 18950) of Part 6 of
Division 9.
(m) When a person with a developmental disability dies from any
cause, natural or otherwise, while hospitalized in a state
developmental center, the State Department of Developmental Services,
the physician in charge of the client, or the professional in charge
of the facility or his or her designee, shall release information
and records to the coroner. The State Department of Developmental
Services, the physician in charge of the client, or the professional
in charge of the facility or his or her designee, shall not release
any notes, summaries, transcripts, tapes, or records of conversations
between the resident and health professional personnel of the
hospital relating to the personal life of the resident that is not
related to the diagnosis and treatment of the resident's physical
condition. Any information released to the coroner pursuant to this
section shall remain confidential and shall be sealed and shall not
be made part of the public record.
(n) To authorized licensing personnel who are employed by, or who
are authorized representatives of, the State Department of Health
Services, and who are licensed or registered health professionals,
and to authorized legal staff or special investigators who are peace
officers who are employed by, or who are authorized representatives
of, the State Department of Social Services, as necessary to the
performance of their duties to inspect, license, and investigate
health facilities and community care facilities, and to ensure that
the standards of care and services provided in these facilities are
adequate and appropriate and to ascertain compliance with the rules
and regulations to which the facility is subject. The confidential
information shall remain confidential except for purposes of
inspection, licensing, or investigation pursuant to Chapter 2
(commencing with Section 1250) and Chapter 3 (commencing with Section
1500) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code, or a criminal,
civil, or administrative proceeding in relation thereto. The
confidential information may be used by the State Department of
Health Services or the State Department of Social Services in a
criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding. The confidential
information shall be available only to the judge or hearing officer
and to the parties to the case. Names which are confidential shall be
listed in attachments separate to the general pleadings. The
confidential information shall be sealed after the conclusion of the
criminal, civil, or administrative hearings, and shall not
subsequently be released except in accordance with this subdivision.
If the confidential information does not result in a criminal, civil,
or administrative proceeding, it shall be sealed after the State
Department of Health Services or the State Department of Social
Services decides that no further action will be taken in the matter
of suspected licensing violations. Except as otherwise provided in
this subdivision, confidential information in the possession of the
State Department of Health Services or the State Department of Social
Services shall not contain the name of the person with a
developmental disability.
(o) To any board which licenses and certifies professionals in the
fields of mental health and developmental disabilities pursuant to
state law, when the Director of Developmental Services has reasonable
cause to believe that there has occurred a violation of any
provision of law subject to the jurisdiction of a board and the
records are relevant to the violation. The information shall be
sealed after a decision is reached in the matter of the suspected
violation, and shall not subsequently be released except in
accordance with this subdivision. Confidential information in the
possession of the board shall not contain the name of the person with
a developmental disability.
(p) To governmental law enforcement agencies by the director of a
regional center or state developmental center, or his or her
designee, when (1) the person with a developmental disability has
been reported lost or missing or (2) there is probable cause to
believe that a person with a developmental disability has committed,
or has been the victim of, murder, manslaughter, mayhem, aggravated
mayhem, kidnapping, robbery, carjacking, assault with the intent to
commit a felony, arson, extortion, rape, forcible sodomy, forcible
oral copulation, assault or battery, or unlawful possession of a
weapon, as provided in any provision listed in Section 16590 of the
Penal Code.
This subdivision shall be limited solely to information directly
relating to the factual circumstances of the commission of the
enumerated offenses and shall not include any information relating to
the mental state of the patient or the circumstances of his or her
treatment unless relevant to the crime involved.
This subdivision shall not be construed as an exception to, or in
any other way affecting, the provisions of Article 7 (commencing with
Section 1010) of Chapter 4 of Division 8 of the Evidence Code, or
Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 15600) and Chapter 13 (commencing
with Section 15750) of Part 3 of Division 9.
(q) To the Youth Authority and Adult Correctional Agency or any
component thereof, as necessary to the administration of justice.
(r) To an agency mandated to investigate a report of abuse filed
pursuant to either Section 11164 of the Penal Code or Section 15630
of the Welfare and Institutions Code for the purposes of either a
mandated or voluntary report or when those agencies request
information in the course of conducting their investigation.
(s) When a person with developmental disabilities, or the parent,
guardian, or conservator of a person with developmental disabilities
who lacks capacity to consent, fails to grant or deny a request by a
regional center or state developmental center to release information
or records relating to the person with developmental disabilities
within a reasonable period of time, the director of the regional or
developmental center, or his or her designee, may release information
or records on behalf of that person provided both of the following
conditions are met:
(1) Release of the information or records is deemed necessary to
protect the person's health, safety, or welfare.
(2) The person, or the person's parent, guardian, or conservator,
has been advised annually in writing of the policy of the regional
center or state developmental center for release of confidential
client information or records when the person with developmental
disabilities, or the person's parent, guardian, or conservator, fails
to respond to a request for release of the information or records
within a reasonable period of time. A statement of policy contained
in the client's individual program plan shall be deemed to comply
with the notice requirement of this paragraph.
(t) (1) When an employee is served with a notice of adverse
action, as defined in Section 19570 of the Government Code, the
following information and records may be released:
(A) All information and records that the appointing authority
relied upon in issuing the notice of adverse action.
(B) All other information and records that are relevant to the
adverse action, or that would constitute relevant evidence as defined
in Section 210 of the Evidence Code.
(C) The information described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) may be
released only if both of the following conditions are met:
(i) The appointing authority has provided written notice to the
consumer and the consumer's legal representative or, if the consumer
has no legal representative or if the legal representative is a state
agency, to the clients' rights advocate, and the consumer, the
consumer's legal representative, or the clients' rights advocate has
not objected in writing to the appointing authority within five
business days of receipt of the notice, or the appointing authority,
upon review of the objection has determined that the circumstances on
which the adverse action is based are egregious or threaten the
health, safety, or life of the consumer or other consumers and
without the information the adverse action could not be taken.
(ii) The appointing authority, the person against whom the adverse
action has been taken, and the person's representative, if any, have
entered into a stipulation that does all of the following:
(I) Prohibits the parties from disclosing or using the information
or records for any purpose other than the proceedings for which the
information or records were requested or provided.
(II) Requires the employee and the employee's legal representative
to return to the appointing authority all records provided to them
under this subdivision, including, but not limited to, all records
and documents or copies thereof that are no longer in the possession
of the employee or the employee's legal representative because they
were from any source containing confidential information protected by
this section, and all copies of those records and documents, within
10 days of the date that the adverse action becomes final except for
the actual records and documents submitted to the administrative
tribunal as a component of an appeal from the adverse action.
(III) Requires the parties to submit the stipulation to the
administrative tribunal with jurisdiction over the adverse action at
the earliest possible opportunity.
(2) For the purposes of this subdivision, the State Personnel
Board may, prior to any appeal from adverse action being filed with
it, issue a protective order, upon application by the appointing
authority, for the limited purpose of prohibiting the parties from
disclosing or using information or records for any purpose other than
the proceeding for which the information or records were requested
or provided, and to require the employee or the employee's legal
representative to return to the appointing authority all records
provided to them under this subdivision, including, but not limited
to, all records and documents from any source containing confidential
information protected by this section, and all copies of those
records and documents, within 10 days of the date that the adverse
action becomes final, except for the actual records and documents
that are no longer in the possession of the employee or the employee'
s legal representatives because they were submitted to the
administrative tribunal as a component of an appeal from the adverse
action.
(3) Individual identifiers, including, but not limited to, names,
social security numbers, and hospital numbers, that are not necessary
for the prosecution or defense of the adverse action, shall not be
disclosed.
(4) All records, documents, or other materials containing
confidential information protected by this section that have been
submitted or otherwise disclosed to the administrative agency or
other person as a component of an appeal from an adverse action
shall, upon proper motion by the appointing authority to the
administrative tribunal, be placed under administrative seal and
shall not, thereafter, be subject to disclosure to any person or
entity except upon the issuance of an order of a court of competent
jurisdiction.
(5) For purposes of this subdivision, an adverse action becomes
final when the employee fails to answer within the time specified in
Section 19575 of the Government Code, or, after filing an answer,
withdraws the appeal, or, upon exhaustion of the administrative
appeal or of the judicial review remedies as otherwise provided by
law.
SEC. 6. Section 4646 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
4646. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that the
individual program plan and provision of services and supports by the
regional center system is centered on the individual and the family
of the individual with developmental disabilities and takes into
account the needs and preferences of the individual and the family,
where appropriate, as well as promoting community integration,
independent, productive, and normal lives, and stable and healthy
environments. It is the further intent of the Legislature to ensure
that the provision of services to consumers and their families be
effective in meeting the goals stated in the individual program plan,
reflect the preferences and choices of the consumer, and reflect the
cost-effective use of public resources.
(b) The individual program plan is developed through a process of
individualized needs determination. The individual with developmental
disabilities and, where appropriate, his or her parents, legal
guardian or conservator, or authorized representative, shall have the
opportunity to actively participate in the development of the plan.
(c) An individual program plan shall be developed for any person
who, following intake and assessment, is found to be eligible for
regional center services. These plans shall be completed within 60
days of the completion of the assessment. At the time of intake, the
regional center shall inform the consumer and, where appropriate, his
or her parents, legal guardian or conservator, or authorized
representative, of the services available through the local area
board and the protection and advocacy agency designated by the
Governor pursuant to federal law, and shall provide the address and
telephone numbers of those agencies.
(d) Individual program plans shall be prepared jointly by the
planning team. Decisions concerning the consumer's goals, objectives,
and services and supports that will be included in the consumer's
individual program plan and purchased by the regional center or
obtained from generic agencies shall be made by agreement between the
regional center representative and the consumer or, where
appropriate, the parents, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized
representative at the program plan meeting.
(e) Regional centers shall comply with the request of a consumer,
or where appropriate, the request of his or her parents, legal
guardian, conservator, or authorized representative, that a
designated representative receive written notice of all meetings to
develop or revise his or her individual program plan and of all
notices sent to the consumer pursuant to Section 4710. The designated
representative may be a parent or family member.
(f) If a final agreement regarding the services and supports to be
provided to the consumer cannot be reached at a program plan
meeting, then a subsequent program plan meeting shall be convened
within 15 days, or later at the request of the consumer or, when
appropriate, the parents, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized
representative or when agreed to by the planning team. Additional
program plan meetings may be held with the agreement of the regional
center representative and the consumer or, where appropriate, the
parents, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized representative.
(g) An authorized representative of the regional center and the
consumer or, where appropriate, his or her parents, legal guardian,
conservator, or authorized representative shall sign the individual
program plan prior to its implementation. If the consumer or, where
appropriate, his or her parents, legal guardian, conservator, or
authorized representative, does not agree with all components of the
plan, he or she may indicate that disagreement on the plan.
Disagreement with specific plan components shall not prohibit the
implementation of services and supports agreed to by the consumer or,
where appropriate, his or her parents, legal guardian, conservator,
or authorized representative. If the consumer or, where appropriate,
his or her parents, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized
representative, does not agree with the plan in whole or in part, he
or she shall be sent written notice of the fair hearing rights, as
required by Section 4701.
SEC. 7. Section 4646.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
4646.5. (a) The planning process for the individual program plan
described in Section 4646 shall include all of the following:
(1) Gathering information and conducting assessments to determine
the life goals, capabilities and strengths, preferences, barriers,
and concerns or problems of the person with developmental
disabilities. For children with developmental disabilities, this
process should include a review of the strengths, preferences, and
needs of the child and the family unit as a whole. Assessments shall
be conducted by qualified individuals and performed in natural
environments whenever possible. Information shall be taken from the
consumer, his or her parents and other family members, his or her
friends, advocates, authorized representative if applicable,
providers of services and supports, and other agencies. The
assessment process shall reflect awareness of, and sensitivity to,
the lifestyle and cultural background of the consumer and the family.
(2) A statement of goals, based on the needs, preferences, and
life choices of the individual with developmental disabilities, and a
statement of specific, time-limited objectives for implementing the
person's goals and addressing his or her needs. These objectives
shall be stated in terms that allow measurement of progress or
monitoring of service delivery. These goals and objectives should
maximize opportunities for the consumer to develop relationships, be
part of community life in the areas of community participation,
housing, work, school, and leisure, increase control over his or her
life, acquire increasingly positive roles in community life, and
develop competencies to help accomplish these goals.
(3) When developing individual program plans for children,
regional centers shall be guided by the principles, process, and
services and support parameters set forth in Section 4685.
(4) A schedule of the type and amount of services and supports to
be purchased by the regional center or obtained from generic agencies
or other resources in order to achieve the individual program plan
goals and objectives, and identification of the provider
or providers of service responsible
for attaining each objective, including, but not limited to,
vendors, contracted providers, generic service agencies, and natural
supports. The plan shall specify the approximate scheduled start date
for services and supports and shall contain timelines for actions
necessary to begin services and supports, including generic services.
(5) When agreed to by the consumer, the parents, legally appointed
guardian, or authorized representative of a minor consumer, or the
legally appointed conservator of an adult consumer or the authorized
representative, including those appointed pursuant to subdivision (d)
of Section 4548 and subdivision (e) of Section 4705, a review of the
general health status of the adult or child including a medical,
dental, and mental health needs shall be conducted. This review shall
include a discussion of current medications, any observed side
effects, and the date of last review of the medication. Service
providers shall cooperate with the planning team to provide any
information necessary to complete the health status review. If any
concerns are noted during the review, referrals shall be made to
regional center clinicians or to the consumer's physician, as
appropriate. Documentation of health status and referrals shall be
made in the consumer's record by the service coordinator.
(6) A schedule of regular periodic review and reevaluation to
ascertain that planned services have been provided, that objectives
have been fulfilled within the times specified, and that consumers
and families are satisfied with the individual program plan and its
implementation.
(b) For all active cases, individual program plans shall be
reviewed and modified by the planning team, through the process
described in Section 4646, as necessary, in response to the person's
achievement or changing needs, and no less often than once every
three years. If the consumer or, where appropriate, the consumer's
parents, legal guardian, authorized representative, or conservator
requests an individual program plan review, the individual program
shall be reviewed within 30 days after the request is submitted.
(c) (1) The department, with the participation of representatives
of a statewide consumer organization, the Association of Regional
Center Agencies, an organized labor organization representing service
coordination staff, and the Organization of Area Boards shall
prepare training material and a standard format and instructions for
the preparation of individual program plans, which embodies an
approach centered on the person and family.
(2) Each regional center shall use the training materials and
format prepared by the department pursuant to paragraph (1).
(3) The department shall biennially review a random sample of
individual program plans at each regional center to assure that these
plans are being developed and modified in compliance with Section
4646 and this section.
SEC. 8. Section 4648 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
4648. In order to achieve the stated objectives of a consumer's
individual program plan, the regional center shall conduct
activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(a) Securing needed services and supports.
(1) It is the intent of the Legislature that services and supports
assist individuals with developmental disabilities in achieving the
greatest self-sufficiency possible and in exercising personal
choices. The regional center shall secure services and supports that
meet the needs of the consumer, as determined in the consumer's
individual program plan, and within the context of the individual
program plan, the planning team shall give highest preference to
those services and supports which would allow minors with
developmental disabilities to live with their families, adult persons
with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible
in the community, and that allow all consumers to interact with
persons without disabilities in positive, meaningful ways.
(2) In implementing individual program plans, regional centers,
through the planning team, shall first consider services and supports
in natural community, home, work, and recreational settings.
Services and supports shall be flexible and individually tailored to
the consumer and, where appropriate, his or her family.
(3) A regional center may, pursuant to vendorization or a
contract, purchase services or supports for a consumer from any
individual or agency which the regional center and consumer or, where
appropriate, his or her parents, legal guardian, or conservator, or
authorized representatives, determines will best accomplish all or
any part of that consumer's program plan.
(A) Vendorization or contracting is the process for
identification, selection, and utilization of service vendors or
contractors, based on the qualifications and other requirements
necessary in order to provide the service.
(B) A regional center may reimburse an individual or agency for
services or supports provided to a regional center consumer if the
individual or agency has a rate of payment for vendored or contracted
services established by the department, pursuant to this division,
and is providing services pursuant to an emergency vendorization or
has completed the vendorization procedures or has entered into a
contract with the regional center and continues to comply with the
vendorization or contracting requirements. The director shall adopt
regulations governing the vendorization process to be utilized by the
department, regional centers, vendors and the individual or agency
requesting vendorization.
(C) Regulations shall include, but not be limited to: the vendor
application process, and the basis for accepting or denying an
application; the qualification and requirements for each category of
services that may be provided to a regional center consumer through a
vendor; requirements for emergency vendorization; procedures for
termination of vendorization; the procedure for an individual or an
agency to appeal any vendorization decision made by the department or
regional center.
(D) A regional center may vendorize a licensed facility for
exclusive services to persons with developmental disabilities at a
capacity equal to or less than the facility's licensed capacity. A
facility already licensed on January 1, 1999, shall continue to be
vendorized at their full licensed capacity until the facility agrees
to vendorization at a reduced capacity.
(E) Effective July 1, 2009, notwithstanding any other provision of
law or regulation to the contrary, a regional center shall not newly
vendor a State Department of Social Services licensed 24-hour
residential care facility with a licensed capacity of 16 or more
beds, unless the facility qualifies for receipt of federal funds
under the Medicaid Program.
(4) Notwithstanding subparagraph (B), a regional center may
contract or issue a voucher for services and supports provided to a
consumer or family at a cost not to exceed the maximum rate of
payment for that service or support established by the department. If
a rate has not been established by the department, the regional
center may, for an interim period, contract for a specified service
or support with, and establish a rate of payment for, any provider of
the service or support necessary to implement a consumer's
individual program plan. Contracts may be negotiated for a period of
up to three years, with annual review and subject to the availability
of funds.
(5) In order to ensure the maximum flexibility and availability of
appropriate services and supports for persons with developmental
disabilities, the department shall establish and maintain an
equitable system of payment to providers of services and supports
identified as necessary to the implementation of a consumers'
individual program plan. The system of payment shall include
provision for a rate to ensure that the provider can meet the special
needs of consumers and provide quality services and supports in the
least restrictive setting as required by law.
(6) The regional center and the consumer, or where appropriate,
his or her parents, legal guardian, conservator, or authorized
representative, including those appointed pursuant to subdivision (d)
of Section 4548 or subdivision (e) of Section 4705, shall, pursuant
to the individual program plan, consider all of the following when
selecting a provider of consumer services and supports:
(A) A provider's ability to deliver quality services or supports
which can accomplish all or part of the consumer's individual program
plan.
(B) A provider's success in achieving the objectives set forth in
the individual program plan.
(C) Where appropriate, the existence of licensing, accreditation,
or professional certification.
(D) The cost of providing services or supports of comparable
quality by different providers, if available, shall be reviewed, and
the least costly available provider of comparable service, including
the cost of transportation, who is able to accomplish all or part of
the consumer's individual program plan, consistent with the
particular needs of the consumer and family as identified in the
individual program plan, shall be selected. In determining the least
costly provider, the availability of federal financial participation
shall be considered. The consumer shall not be required to use the
least costly provider if it will result in the consumer moving from
an existing provider of services or supports to more restrictive or
less integrated services or supports.
(E) The consumer's choice of providers, or, where appropriate, the
consumer's parent's, legal guardian's, authorized representative's,
or conservator's choice of providers.
(7) No service or support provided by any agency or individual
shall be continued unless the consumer or, where appropriate, his or
her parents, legal guardian, or conservator, or authorized
representative, including those appointed pursuant to subdivision (d)
of Section 4548, subdivision (b) of Section 4701.6, or subdivision
(e) of Section 4705, is satisfied and the regional center and the
consumer or, when appropriate, the person's parents or legal guardian
or conservator agree that planned services and supports have been
provided, and reasonable progress toward objectives have been made.
(8) Regional center funds shall not be used to supplant the budget
of any agency which has a legal responsibility to serve all members
of the general public and is receiving public funds for providing
those services.
(9) (A) A regional center may, directly or through an agency
acting on behalf of the center, provide placement in, purchase of, or
follow-along services to persons with developmental disabilities in,
appropriate community living arrangements, including, but not
limited to, support service for consumers in homes they own or lease,
foster family placements, health care facilities, and licensed
community care facilities. In considering appropriate placement
alternatives for children with developmental disabilities, approval
by the child's parent or guardian shall be obtained before placement
is made.
(B) Effective July 1, 2012, notwithstanding any other provision of
law or regulation to the contrary, a regional center shall not
purchase residential services from a State Department of Social
Services licensed 24-hour residential care facility with a licensed
capacity of 16 or more beds. This prohibition on regional center
purchase of residential services shall not apply to either of the
following:
(i) A residential facility with a licensed capacity of 16 or more
beds that has been approved to participate in the department's Home
and Community Based Services Waiver or another existing waiver
program or certified to participate in the Medi-Cal program.
(ii) A residential facility service provider that has a written
agreement and specific plan prior to July 1, 2012, with the vendoring
regional center to downsize the existing facility by transitioning
its residential services to living arrangements of 15 beds or less or
restructure the large facility to meet federal Medicaid eligibility
requirements on or before June 30, 2013.
(C) Each person with developmental disabilities placed by the
regional center in a community living arrangement shall have the
rights specified in this division. These rights shall be brought to
the person's attention by any means necessary to reasonably
communicate these rights to each resident, provided that, at a
minimum, the Director of Developmental Services prepare, provide, and
require to be clearly posted in all residential facilities and day
programs a poster using simplified language and pictures that is
designed to be more understandable by persons with cognitive
disabilities and that the rights information shall also be available
through the regional center to each residential facility and day
program in alternative formats, including, but not limited to, other
languages, braille, and audio tapes, when necessary to meet the
communication needs of consumers.
(D) Consumers are eligible to receive supplemental services
including, but not limited to, additional staffing, pursuant to the
process described in subdivision (d) of Section 4646. Necessary
additional staffing that is not specifically included in the rates
paid to the service provider may be purchased by the regional center
if the additional staff are in excess of the amount required by
regulation and the individual's planning team determines the
additional services are consistent with the provisions of the
individual program plan. Additional staff should be periodically
reviewed by the planning team for consistency with the individual
program plan objectives in order to determine if continued use of the
additional staff is necessary and appropriate and if the service is
producing outcomes consistent with the individual program plan.
Regional centers shall monitor programs to ensure that the additional
staff is being provided and utilized appropriately.
(10) Emergency and crisis intervention services including, but not
limited to, mental health services and behavior modification
services, may be provided, as needed, to maintain persons with
developmental disabilities in the living arrangement of their own
choice. Crisis services shall first be provided without disrupting a
person's living arrangement. If crisis intervention services are
unsuccessful, emergency housing shall be available in the person's
home community. If dislocation cannot be avoided, every effort shall
be made to return the person to his or her living arrangement of
choice, with all necessary supports, as soon as possible.
(11) Among other service and support options, planning teams shall
consider the use of paid roommates or neighbors, personal
assistance, technical and financial assistance, and all other service
and support options which would result in greater self-sufficiency
for the consumer and cost-effectiveness to the state.
(12) When facilitation as specified in an individual program plan
requires the services of an individual, the facilitator shall be of
the consumer's choosing.
(13) The community support may be provided to assist individuals
with developmental disabilities to fully participate in community and
civic life, including, but not limited to, programs, services, work
opportunities, business, and activities available to persons without
disabilities. This facilitation shall include, but not be limited to,
any of the following:
(A) Outreach and education to programs and services within the
community.
(B) Direct support to individuals which would enable them to more
fully participate in their community.
(C) Developing unpaid natural supports when possible.
(14) Other services and supports may be provided as set forth in
Sections 4685, 4686, 4687, 4688, and 4689, when necessary.
(15) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation to
the contrary, effective July 1, 2009, regional centers shall not
purchase experimental treatments, therapeutic services, or devices
that have not been clinically determined or scientifically proven to
be effective or safe or for which risks and complications are
unknown. Experimental treatments or therapeutic services include
experimental medical or nutritional therapy when the use of the
product for that purpose is not a general physician practice. For
regional center consumers receiving these services as part of their
individual program plan (IPP) or individualized family service plan
(IFSP) on July 1, 2009, this prohibition shall apply on August 1,
2009.
(b) (1) Advocacy for, and protection of, the civil, legal, and
service rights of persons with developmental disabilities as
established in this division.
(2) Whenever the advocacy efforts of a regional center to secure
or protect the civil, legal, or service rights of any of its
consumers prove ineffective, the regional center or the person with
developmental disabilities or his or her parents, legal guardian, or
other representative may request the area board to initiate action
under the provisions defining area board advocacy functions
established in this division.
(c) The regional center may assist consumers and families
directly, or through a provider, in identifying and building circles
of support within the community.
(d) In order to increase the quality of community services and
protect consumers, the regional center shall, when appropriate, take
either of the following actions:
(1) Identify services and supports that are ineffective or of poor
quality and provide or secure consultation, training, or technical
assistance services for any agency or individual provider to assist
that agency or individual provider in upgrading the quality of
services or supports.
(2) Identify providers of services or supports that may not be in
compliance with local, state, and federal statutes and regulations
and notify the appropriate licensing or regulatory authority, or
request the area board to investigate the possible noncompliance.
(e) When necessary to expand the availability of needed services
of good quality, a regional center may take actions that include, but
are not limited to, the following:
(1) Soliciting an individual or agency by requests for proposals
or other means, to provide needed services or supports not presently
available.
(2) Requesting funds from the Program Development Fund, pursuant
to Section 4677, or community placement plan funds designated from
that fund, to reimburse the startup costs needed to initiate a new
program of services and supports.
(3) Using creative and innovative service delivery models,
including, but not limited to, natural supports.
(f) Except in emergency situations, a regional center shall not
provide direct treatment and therapeutic services, but shall utilize
appropriate public and private community agencies and service
providers to obtain those services for its consumers.
(g) 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, the department may provide the services and
supports directly.
(h) At least annually, regional centers shall provide the
consumer, his or her parents, legal guardian, conservator, or
authorized representative a statement of services and supports the
regional center purchased for the purpose of ensuring that they are
delivered. The statement shall include the type, unit, month, and
cost of services and supports purchased.
SEC. 9. Section 4701.6 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
4701.6. (a) "Authorized representative" means the conservator of
an adult, the guardian, conservator, or parent or person having legal
custody of a minor claimant, or a person or agency appointed
pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 4548 or subdivision (e) of
Section 4705 and authorized in writing by the claimant or by the
legal guardian, conservator, or parent or person having legal custody
of a minor claimant to act for or represent the claimant under this
chapter.
(b) (1) "Authorized
representative" also means a responsible adult appointed by a court
order made pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 319, subdivision
(a) of Section 361, or subdivision (b) of Section 726, who the court
determines is an appropriate representative for the minor, and who
does not have a conflict of interest, as defined in subdivision (i)
of Section 7579.5 of the Government Code, including, but not limited
to, a foster parent, caregiver, or court appointed special advocate.
(2) Notwithstanding any other law, an authorized representative
designated through a court order described in this subdivision shall
have the right to access the minor's information and records, the
right to participate in the individual program planning process, and
the right to participate in the fair hearing process for the minor to
the same extent as provided under law to the minor's parents, legal
guardian, or conservator. Representation shall also include the
ability to provide written consent for purposes of establishing
eligibility for regional center services and supports for the minor,
as well as for the purpose of individual program plan development and
revision, including, but not limited to, the authorization of
assessments of, and the provision of services to, the minor.
