BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 954
Page 1
Date of Hearing: May 1, 2013
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Mike Gatto, Chair
AB 954 (Maienschein) - As Introduced: February 22, 2013
Policy Committee: Human
ServicesVote:7 - 0
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program:
No Reimbursable:
SUMMARY
This bill increases the rates and fees paid to supported
employment services providers for regional center consumers.
Specifically, this bill:
1)Increases the hourly rate for supported employment services
provided to consumers receiving individualized or group
services from $30.82 to $34.24.
2)Increases the fee regional centers pay interim program
providers to complete the intake process for a consumer
entering a supported employment program from $360 to $400.
3)Increases the fee paid for placement of a consumer in an
integrated job and the fee paid after a consumer is retained
in a job for 90 days from $720 to $800.
FISCAL EFFECT
Increasing the rate paid to service providers for supported
employment would cost the Department of Developmental Services
(DDS) approximately $10 million (GF) per year and the Department
of Rehabilitation (DOR) approximately $2.5 million (GF) per
year.
COMMENTS
1)Purpose . Rates paid to supported employment services providers
were reduced by 10% in the 2008-09 Budget Act as a way of
AB 954
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achieving GF savings within the Department of Development
Services (DDS). This bill restores those rates to their pre
2009-09 levels. Because the rates paid by DDS are also those
paid by DOR under current law, the rate and fee increases
included in this bill will apply to consumers regardless of
whether the services outlined in this Section are paid for by
the regional centers or through DOR.
2)California's Developmental Services System annually assists
approximately 260,000 individuals with developmental
disabilities and their families through a statewide system of
21 regional centers. Of the $4.9 billion ($2.8 billion GF)
proposed for the 2013-14 budget year, approximately $4 billion
is for services provided through the regional centers. The
system employs 90,000 workers. Almost 99% of consumers receive
community-based services and live with their parents or other
relatives, in their own homes or apartments, or in group homes
designed to meet their medical and behavioral needs.
In addition, the state's four Developmental Centers (Fairview,
Lanterman, Porterville, and Sonoma) and one smaller, community
facility (Canyon Springs) provide 24-hour care to about 1,700
individuals with developmental disabilities. The DCs provide a
full range of care, including medical and recreational
services.
DDS consumers work in a variety of settings. Those requiring
supported employment settings may participate in the
Habilitation Services Program, which consists of the Work
Activity Program (WAP) and Supported Employment Program
(SEP). The WEP services are reimbursed at a daily per capita
rate and provide a sheltered work environment. Consumers
participating in SEP work in the community with support
services provided by community rehabilitation programs.
3)Related Legislation in the Current Session . AB 1041 (Chesbro)
establishes Employment First Policy requirements related to
the inclusion of integrated employment opportunities and
services in a regional center consumer's individual program
plan (IPP).
AB 1112 (Ammiano), pending in this committee, removes the
statutorily indicated rates and fees that apply to job
coaching and supported employment services, and replace them
with a cross-reference to rates set by the Department of
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Rehabilitation.
(The provisions of AB 954 (Maienschein) and AB 1112 (Ammiano)
are in direct conflict, as currently drafted.)
SB 577 (Pavley), pending in Senate Appropriations, requires
DDS to establish a pilot program for young adults with ASD to
help them find pathways to financial independence through
work.
Analysis Prepared by : Julie Salley-Gray / APPR. / (916)
319-2081