Purchase of Services
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Regional Center Responsibility for Purchasing Services
Regional centers are responsible for helping families identify and access the services and supports necessary to achieve the desired outcomes specified in their family member’s IPP. The Lanterman Act instructs regional centers to do these things in ways that are “innovative and economical.”
One of the most cost-effective ways of meeting service and support needs is through the use of natural supports and generic services whenever they are available and appropriate to the individual’s needs. Service coordinators work with families to investigate and exhaust all available natural and generic options. For certain services for children, the Lanterman Act also requires families to share in the cost, and when available, to access private insurance. To ensure that this is not a barrier for families, the State has developed cost-sharing guidelines that are determined by the family income.
Purchase of Services Videos
Service Standards Videos
Service Standards Videos
Service Standards Videos
Service Standards Videos
These videos are also available with American and Mexican Sign Language (ASL & LSM): Click Here!
If one or more of the desired outcomes in a person’s IPP cannot be achieved using personal resources, natural supports or generic services, a service coordinator may request authorization for funding from the Regional Center to purchase the necessary services or supports. All purchases must be consistent with the Center’s service standards, which are approved by our board of directors and the Department of Developmental Services.
When the Center authorizes funding for a service from a community service provider, the provider receives a written authorization before services begin. The Center only reimburses providers for services that are included in the IPP and delivered after an authorization is received.
In extraordinary circumstances, the Center may make a purchase that is an “exception” to a service standard. A request for an exception must be reviewed and approved by the Center’s executive director or designee.
Funding for services and supports is reviewed at the time an IPP is developed or reviewed. If there is evidence that the services and supports are helping achieve or maintain the desired outcomes outlined in the IPP, funding may be continued. In all cases, before funding is initiated or continued, the IPP or an IPP amendment must be signed.
FAQ
Get Answers
What are generic services?
There are many public agencies that are legally required to provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities. We refer to these agencies as generic agencies and to the services and supports they provide as generic services. Each of these agencies has its own guidelines for eligibility and services. Generic agencies include, but are not limited to, Medi-Cal, public schools, county mental health agencies and the Social Security program.
What are natural supports?
Excerpt from the Department of Developmental Services’ publication, “How to Develop Natural Supports”
As defined in the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, Section 4512 of the Welfare and Institution Code, Part (e): “Natural Supports” means personal associations and relationships typically developed in the community that enhance the quality and security of life for people, including, but not limited to, family relationships; friendships reflecting the diversity of the neighborhood and the community…
What does “Natural Supports” really mean? Think about all the people in your life – friends, family, co-workers – who are important to you and on whom you depend. Relationships with these people are your natural supports.
Read the entire publication:
What services does Lanterman Regional Center provide?
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Service coordination linking people with services
- Lifelong individualized planning
- Assistance in finding and using community resources
- Purchase of services identified in the individual plan
- Advocacy for the protection of legal, civil and service rights
- Early intervention services for at-risk infants and their families
- Information and referral
- Family support
- Training and educational opportunities
- Community outreach, awareness and education about developmental disabilities
- Quality assurance and enhancement activities
- Resource development
- Client benefit coordination
- Koch-Young Resource Center