2011 California Code
Welfare and Institutions Code
DIVISION 4.5. SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED [4500 - 4868]
ARTICLE 4. Services and Supports for Persons Living in the Community
Section 4689.8

Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, commencing July 1, 2008:

(a) No regional center may pay an existing supported living service provider, for services where rates are determined through a negotiation between the regional center and the provider, a rate higher than the rate in effect on June 30, 2008, unless the increase is required by a contract between the regional center and the vendor that is in effect on June 30, 2008, or the regional center demonstrates that the approval is necessary to protect the consumer s health or safety and the department has granted prior written authorization.

(b) No regional center may negotiate a rate with a new supported living service provider, for services where rates are determined through a negotiation between the regional center and the provider, that is higher than the regional center s median rate for the same service code and unit of service, or the statewide median rate for the same service code and unit of service, whichever is lower. The unit of service designation shall conform with an existing regional center designation or, if none exists, a designation used to calculate the statewide median rate for the same service. The regional center shall annually certify to the State Department of Developmental Services its median rate for each negotiated rate service code, by designated unit of service. This certification shall be subject to verification through the department s biennial fiscal audit of the regional center.

(Added by Stats. 2008, 3rd Ex. Sess., Ch. 3, Sec. 8. Effective February 16, 2008.)