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.

The bill would require the department to develop a list of regional center services eligible for remote delivery. The bill would also require the department to develop, distribute, and post on its internet website, guidance to regional centers that includes a process for informing individuals and their families of the option to voluntarily receive remote services and requirements for service providers offering remote services, including the processes for authorization, billing, and documentation. The bill would authorize an individual and their family to voluntarily elect to receive remote services, as available, if it is determined in the individual program plan meeting that remote delivery would effectively meet the needs of an individual receiving services identified by the department to be eligible for remote delivery.