Transportation and Remote Services are Extended to 2025, as Described in Important DDS Directives

Welcome news was received on November 30 when the California Department of Developmental Services published two directives to all 21 regional centers that will make services and supports more accessible for Californians with developmental disabilities and their families.

The first directive extends remote delivery of services, which became an option during the pandemic and continues to be an important option as a result of staffing shortages and health & safety concerns. This Directive provides consumers the ability to continue to voluntarily choose remote delivery of the following services through June 30, 2025:

    • Day programs
    • Look-a-like day programs
    • Independent living services
    • Behavioral therapy services
    • Clinical assessment activities for Lanterman Act eligibility

The second directive authorizes providers of transportation services to use a monthly reimbursement rate, with the goal of making transportation more available to consumers during current staffing shortages.

Individuals and families wishing to receive the above services should contact their regional center.

Important Directive on Regional Center Transportation Service Rates Issued by DDS

On January 6, 2023, California’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS) published a directive to all regional centers acknowledging the impact of staffing shortages on transportation services, and therefore authorizing providers of transportation services to use a monthly reimbursement rate for the provision of transportation services to individuals effective January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.  Each provider will be allowed to utilize a unique monthly reimbursement rate calculated based on their monthly average reimbursement prior to the pandemic, minus fuel expenses.

The Department encourages transportation providers, regional centers and stakeholders to continue to network and evaluate new ways to meet the transportation needs of individuals.

The directive can be found HERE.

The accompanying enclosure can be found HERE.