Developmental services: remote services and supports.

Existing law, the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, requires the State Department of Developmental Services to contract with regional centers to provide services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Existing law requires, subject to an appropriation, the department to develop a pilot project to test the feasibility of remote consumer services and supports that use technology solutions. Existing law requires the department to pilot remote services and supports based on certain factors. Existing law requires the department to submit to the Legislature a final evaluation report on the pilot project no later than January 10, 2026. This bill would require the department, on or before July 1, 2027, to identify services and supports eligible for remote delivery, develop the subcodes necessary to facilitate the billing of remote services and supports, and provide to regional centers, and post on its internet website, updated guidance regarding the requirements for authorization, billing, and documentation of remote services and supports. The bill would require regional centers, upon receipt of the updated guidance, to inform consumers of the option to voluntarily choose remote service delivery of approved services and supports identified by the department.