To: All Service Providers
From: Pablo Ibañez, Director, Community Services
Re: Rate Reform Crosswalk and Special Circumstances + Upcoming DDS Webinars on New Rate Reform Directives Rate Reform Crosswalk and Special Circumstances
As we have previously shared, the third and final phase of rate reform implementation includes the use of new service codes and phasing out some existing services codes. The Department of Developmental Services’ (DDS) November 21, 2024, Service Code Crosswalk letter lists those service codes being phased out that will require use of a new service code. New service codes which may be used in place of the phased out service codes are listed and are suggestions.
Please note that DDS is issuing the operational guidance needed to make new service code decisions in a phased fashion and is scheduling public meetings. Click here for meeting details, including registration links
We will be pushing out this information to affected service providers when available and we will be working with those service providers to agree on the new service code to use. New service code decisions need to be made by March 31, 2025.
If the service being provided does not align with another available service code as described in statute, regulation or a DDS Directive, regional centers can submit a request to DDS to continue using the phased out service code by December 31, 2024. More information regarding this exemption process can be found in the October 30, 2024, DDS Special Circumstances letter.
- Attachment A, referenced in this letter, outlines those service codes which will require an exemption for continued use (top list) and those service codes which will be phased out entirely (bottom list).
- Attachment B, outlines the type of information which will need to be collected as part of the exemption process.Service providers with rates determined by either the Health and Safety Waiver or AB637 waiver process will need to be adjusted to the rate reform rate for that service if the services can be delivered in accordance with rate reform’s updated service descriptions and no longer need the AB 637/H&S waiver approval.
If you have additional questions, please contact Rates and Vendorization Supervisor Christian Irigoyen at 213.252.8686 or at cirigoyen@lanterman.org or Director of Community Services Pablo Ibanez at 213.252.4928.