Program Updates

June 22, 2021

The Department has compiled a summary of data for participants continuing in the Self-Determination Program (SDP) by regional center.  While this data does not represent all the steps a participant may go through to enroll in the SDP, it does show significant steps along their journey.  Most of the data is self-reported from regional centers but some comes from the Department’s informational systems.  Headers on the document reflect the origin of the data points.  The recent statewide summary can be found in the May 2021 document.  Please note, in accordance with the Department’s Data De-Identification Guidelines, counts between one and ten have been suppressed.  Future reports may look different dependent on the data collected.

May 12, 2021

The Department has compiled a summary of data for participants continuing in the Self-Determination Program (SDP) by regional center.  While this data does not represent all the steps a participant may go through to enroll in the SDP, it does show significant steps along their journey.  Most of the data is self-reported from regional centers but some comes from the Department’s informational systems.  Headers on the document reflect the origin of the data points.  The recent statewide summary can be found in the April 2021 document.  Please note, in accordance with the Department’s Data De-Identification Guidelines, counts between one and ten have been suppressed.  Future reports may look different dependent on the data collected.

April 16, 2021

The Department has compiled a summary of data for participants continuing in the Self-Determination Program (SDP) by regional center.  While this data does not represent all the steps a participant may go through to enroll in the SDP, it does show significant steps along their journey.  Most of the data is self-reported from regional centers but some comes from the Department’s informational systems.  Headers on the document reflect the origin of the data points.  The recent statewide summary can be found in the March 2021 document.  Please note, in accordance with the Department’s Data De-Identification Guidelines, counts between one and ten have been suppressed.  Future reports may look different dependent on the data collected.

The Department has compiled a summary of data for participants continuing in the Self-Determination Program (SDP) by regional center.  While this data does not represent all the steps a participant may go through to enroll in the SDP, it does show significant steps along their journey.  Most of the data is self-reported from regional centers but some comes from the Department’s informational systems.  Headers on the document reflect the origin of the data points.  The recent statewide summary can be found in the February 2021 document.  Please note, in accordance with the Department’s Data De-Identification Guidelines, counts between one and ten have been suppressed.  Future reports may look different dependent on the data collected.

The Department has compiled a summary of data for participants continuing in the Self-Determination Program (SDP) by regional center.  While this data does not represent all the steps a participant may go through to enroll in the SDP, it does show significant steps along their journey.  Most of the data is self-reported from regional centers but some comes from the Department’s informational systems.  Headers on the document reflect the origin of the data points.  The recent statewide summary can be found in the January 2021 document.  Please note, in accordance with the Department’s Data De-Identification Guidelines, counts between one and ten have been suppressed.  Future reports may look different dependent on the data collected.

The Department has compiled a summary of data for participants continuing in the Self-Determination Program (SDP) by regional center.  While this data does not represent all the steps a participant may go through to enroll in the SDP, it does show significant steps along their journey.  Most of the data is self-reported from regional centers but some comes from the Department’s informational systems.  Headers on the document reflect the origin of the data points.  The recent statewide summary can be found in the December 2020 document.  Please note, in accordance with the Department’s Data De-Identification Guidelines, counts between one and ten have been suppressed.  Future reports may look different dependent on the data collected.

December 24, 2020

The Department has compiled a summary of data for participants continuing in the Self-Determination Program (SDP) by regional center.  While this data does not represent all the steps a participant may go through to enroll in the SDP, it does show significant steps along their journey.  Most of the data is self-reported from regional centers but some comes from the Department’s informational systems.  Headers on the document reflect the origin of the data points.  The recent statewide summary can be found in the November 2020 document.  Please note, in accordance with the Department’s Data De-Identification Guidelines, counts between one and ten have been suppressed.  Future reports may look different dependent on the data collected.

December 8, 2020

The Department has compiled a summary of data for participants continuing in the Self-Determination Program (SDP) by regional center.  While this data does not represent all the steps a participant may go through to enroll in the SDP, it does show significant steps along their journey.  Most of the data is self-reported from regional centers but some comes from the Department’s informational systems.  Headers on the document reflect the origin of the data points.  A recent statewide summary can be found in the October 2020 document.  Please note, in accordance with the Department’s Data De-Identification Guidelines, counts between one and ten have been suppressed.  Future reports may look different dependent on the data collected.

October 5, 2020

Beginning in December 2019, the Department has been sending out surveys to those selected participants who have voluntarily withdrawn from the Self-Determination Program (SDP).  The survey is sent in preferred languages and gave the option to be completed on-line or via mail.  The survey questions reflect input from stakeholders, including the SDP Advisory Group.  The Department will be sending these surveys on a continuous basis.  The questions in the survey and recently compiled results can be found in the SDP Withdraw Survey – September 2020 document.

June 29, 2020

In March 2020, the Department allocated funding to regional centers to support the implementation of the Self-Determination Program (SDP) in accordance with Welfare and Institution (W&I) Code section 4685.8(g). Due to COVID-19 and the resulting stay-at-home orders, the Department is extending the time for regional centers to encumber funds for the above purpose to September 30, 2020. Please see the guidance for more information on these funds. If you have questions, please address to sdp@dds.ca.gov.

March 10, 2020

In accordance with Welfare and Institution (W&I) Code section 4685.8(g), funds have been allocated to regional centers to support the implementation of the Self-Determination Program (SDP).

Please see the guidance for more information. If you have questions, please address to sdp@dds.ca.gov.

December 6, 2019

The Department is pleased to announce that on November 22, 2019, additional individuals were selected to participate in the Self-Determination Program (SDP).

Since it is anticipated more openings will occur in the future, the Department selected more individuals than the current number of openings. The Department mailed notification letters to all individuals selected to communicate they can each start the enrollment process and attend an orientation at their regional center.

Those who have not been selected to participate will remain on the list and the Department will continue to collect and add names of those interested in the program for potential subsequent selections.

Please send any questions to sdp@dds.ca.gov.

November 21, 2019

On November 22, 2019, the Department will select additional individuals for the SDP. The number of current openings at each regional center can be found here. For more information regarding the November 22, 2019 selection, please reference Implementation Update dated October 16, 2019.

Please send any questions to sdp@dds.ca.gov.

October 25, 2019

A prior update noted that individuals selected on October 1, 2018 to participate in the Self-Determination Program (SDP) must complete an orientation by November 15, 2019. However, that date has been extended to December 6, 2019. Individuals who do not compete an orientation by December 6, 2019 will not be able to continue in SDP at this time, unless there are extenuating circumstances that prevent completion of an orientation. Those who do not complete an orientation may choose to be considered for selection or enroll in the future.

Please send any questions to sdp@dds.ca.gov.

October 16, 2019

On October 1, 2018, the Department selected 2,500 individuals to participate in the Self-Determination Program (SDP). Since then, of the 2,500 individuals initially selected, more than 450 have informed their regional center that at this time, they do not wish to participate in SDP. Therefore, on November 22, 2019, the Department will select additional individuals for the SDP. To be considered for selection, the names of individuals who have attended an SDP informational meeting must be submitted to the Department by November 15, 2019.

The November 22, 2019 selection will be prioritized on the following:

• The total number of participants at each regional center is consistent with the relative percentage of total consumers served by all regional centers;
• Individuals who are age 42 years and older;
• Siblings of individuals who were previously selected for SDP;
• Members of SDP local volunteer advisory committees (as of October 8, 2019) or their family members;
• Maintain as close as possible the relative ethnic diversity within each regional center catchment area.

The number of current openings at each regional center can be found at SDP Regional Center Participation Count. The updated number of openings at each regional center will be posted to the Department’s website prior to the November 22, 2019 selection. Since it is anticipated that over time more openings will occur, the Department intends to select a number of individuals over the 2,500 slots. This over selection will allow for an expedited process to fill future openings.

Please send any questions to sdp@dds.ca.gov.

October 4, 2019

On October 1, 2018, 2,500 consumers were selected to participate in the self-determination program (SDP). Since that time, approximately 450 consumers have decided not to continue in SDP. Additionally, approximately 500 consumers have not yet completed an orientation which provides information consumers need as they begin their self-determination journey. For consumers selected on October 1, 2018, orientations must be completed by November 15, 2019, unless there are extenuating circumstances that prevent this from occurring. Consumers who do not complete an orientation by this date will not be able to continue with the SDP at this time, but may choose to be considered for selection and/or enroll in the future.

With consumers not continuing in SDP, this presents an opportunity for others interested in SDP. The Department will select additional participants to replace those who are not continuing with SDP. More details about the additional participation selection, including the date of the selection, will be announced soon.

Please send any questions to sdp@dds.ca.gov.

February 15, 2019

As noted in the January 28, 2019 update, in preparation for the delivery of orientations for Self-Determination Program (SDP) participants, the Department is conducting a series of “train-the-trainer” sessions. The purpose of this update is to inform regional center staff and SDP local volunteer advisory committee members that an additional train-the-trainer session will be held at:

Redwood Coast Regional Center 1116 Airport Park Boulevard Ukiah, CA 95482 Friday, March 15, 2019; 9:00AM – 4:00PM

The Department’s updated notification regarding these training sessions can be found here. If you have any questions, please send an email to sdp@dds.ca.gov.

February 13, 2019

To assist selected participants as they transition into the Self-Determination Program (SDP), information related to the purchase of initial person-centered planning services can be found at Payments for Initial PCP Services.

If you have any questions, please send an email to the SDP Inbox.

January 28, 2019

To prepare for the delivery of Self-Determination Program (SDP) orientation presentations to SDP participants, the Department of Developmental Services will conduct a series of “train-the-trainer” sessions for regional center staff and SDP local volunteer advisory committee members. It is expected that orientations for participants will begin within 60 days after these training sessions. Regional centers will notify participants when the orientations have been scheduled. The Department’s notification regarding these training sessions can be found here.

If you have any questions, please send an email to sdp@dds.ca.gov.

January 11, 2019

As the Department continues to work toward implementation of the Self-Determination Program (SDP), a directive related to Individual Budget Development in the SDP is now available at Individual Budget And Spending Plan.

If you have any questions, please send an email to sdp@dds.ca.gov.

December 21, 2018

Information on directives related to Independent Facilitators and Financial Management Services in the Self-Determination Program (SDP) can be found on the website at Program Directives. The Department is continuing to work on additional SDP information, including training for local advisory committee members and regional centers on conducting participant orientations and guidance for developing the individual budget. Updates on progress in completing these and other items needed as we move toward implementation will be posted on this webpage. If you have any questions, please send an email to sdp@dds.ca.gov.

November 30, 2018

This update is in response to questions received regarding the selection of the initial participants for the Self-Determination Program (SDP). As required by law (Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 4685.8(b)(1)), the number of participants selected at each regional center was based on the relative percentage of total consumers served by all regional centers. For example, if a regional center served 5% of all consumers, then 125 (5% of 2,500) SDP participants were selected from that regional center. The Department made the selection from amongst those who attended a SDP informational meeting. The informational meeting process was developed in consultation with the Department’s self-determination advisory group, as a way to provide oversight of the selection process based on the following demographic factors within each regional center: ethnicity, diagnosis, gender and age. However, with the relatively small number (approximately 9,100) of individuals from which to choose, it was not possible to control for all these factors when making the selection. Ultimately, the selection was done ensuring that those selected represented the overall ethnic diversity of all consumers within each regional center.

Please direct any questions regarding the selection process to sdp@dds.ca.gov.

October 1, 2018

The Department is pleased to announce that the initial 2,500 participants for the Self-Determination Program (SDP) have been selected.

The Department mailed notification letters to all individuals to communicate their selection status.

Those who were not selected initially to participate will remain on the list for subsequent selections if some of the initial 2,500 choose not to enroll or discontinue in the program. The Department will continue to collect and add names of those interested in the program for subsequent selections.

September 24, 2018

Financial Management Services (FMS) — The Department, in collaboration with the Self-Determination Advisory Workgroup and other stakeholders, continues to work to finalize FMS vendor requirements.

A description of the three FMS models and their rates are below. The range of maximum rates within each model are dependent upon the number of services funded from your individual budget as a part of your IPP.

• Bill Payer: Also known as the Fiscal Agent Model. When your services and supports are provided through an agency or company and you are not employing people directly, you would use the bill payer FMS model. The maximum rates for this model range from $50 to $100 per month.
• Sole Employer: Also known as the Fiscal/Employer Agent. When you have decided to hire people directly and you want to assume the role of an employer, this FMS model acts as your fiscal agent or employer agent and can advise you on some of your employer tasks. The maximum rates for this model range from $110 to $150 per month.
• Co-Employer: When you have decided to hire people directly, but do not want to assume the full role of an employer, this FMS model will maintain the primary employer relationship with the people you hire. As a co-employer, the FMS is the employer of record and you still choose who works for you. The maximum rates for this model range from $125 to $165 per month.

When you design your services and supports, they may fall within multiple descriptions of the FMS services described. In those cases, your rate for FMS services will be based on the highest rate of the combined descriptions. For example, if some of your services follow the bill payer model and some will follow the co-employer model, your maximum rates will be based on the co-employer model.

June 18, 2018

Updated estimated timeline: The “Individual Budgets” section below has been updated to reflect an amended target date from August 15, 2018 to September 28, 2018.

The Department, in collaboration with the self-determination advisory workgroup and other stakeholders, has been working on the major components necessary to implement the Self-Determination Program (SDP). Outlined below are some of the major components requiring completion prior to the SDP becoming operational. The list below is not exhaustive but includes the key components and steps under active development.

The Department will post updates on the progress of each component.

• Federal Funding Approval Status: Completed. The application for federal funding, or Waiver, was approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on June 6, 2018.
• Individual Budgets – Target for completion: September 28, 2018 Task: Finalizing guidance information on how the individual budget amount is calculated, and the process for adjusting the budget when needed.
• Financial Management Services (FMS) – Target for completion: August 31, 2018 Task: Finalizing FMS vendorization requirements and rates.
• Independent Facilitators – Target for completion: August 31, 2018 Task: Defining the role(s) an independent facilitator may play and how this may be different if a participant chooses to select their service coordinator to fulfill the functions of an independent facilitator.
• Participant Selection – Target for completion: October 1, 2018 Task: Selection of the initial SDP participants. It’s important to note that only those individuals who have participated in an informational meeting and whose names have been received by the Department by September 17, 2018 at 5:00 PM will be considered for selection (by the Department) of the initial 2,500 participants in the SDP. Individuals whose names are received after September 17, 2018 will be considered for subsequent selections of SDP participants. Subsequent participant selections will occur if some of the initial 2,500 participants choose not to enroll or they enroll, then decide not to continue in the SDP. Timing for future selections will be established at a later date.
• Home and Community-Based “Settings” Requirements – Target for completion: October 31, 2018 Task: Finalizing training materials on the federal requirements, how they apply to services in the SDP and the assessment process for ensuring all services, or “settings”, meet the requirements. Due to federal regulations effective in March 2014, everywhere someone receives services (e.g. the “setting” where the service is provided,) must promote, and not prevent, community participation and inclusion. The target date projects time needed to provide training to those who will be involved in the assessment process.
• Orientation Materials – Target for completion: October 31, 2018 Task: Finalize all orientation materials. The orientation materials will form the basis of the information participants need to support them in the SDP. In addition to the components above, the orientation will include information on what services are available in the SDP and tools to help participants choose qualified service providers. Training for those providing these orientations will also be necessary prior to participant orientations.

June 7, 2018

The Department is very pleased to announce that the application for federal funding, or Waiver, for the Self-Determination Program was approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This news represents an essential step toward providing people who receive regional center services and their families an alternative way to coordinate their services, with more freedom and control over how the services are provided and the individuals who support them. We would like to express sincere appreciation for the assistance and guidance from the Department’s self-determination advisory workgroup and other stakeholders, which has been instrumental in gaining CMS’ approval of the Waiver. We also thank and recognize the work and technical assistance received from many representatives of CMS and California’s Department of Health Care Services.

In October 2013, Governor Edmund G. Brown signed Senate Bill 468, authored by Senators Bill Emmerson and Jim Beall and co-authored by Assembly Members Holly Mitchell and Wesley Chesbro, into law. This law, championed by remarkable and determined self-advocates, family members and advocacy organizations, established a statewide Self-Determination Program that adheres to the following principles to ensure those who participate have:

• Freedom — to exercise the same rights as all citizens; to establish, with freely chosen supporters, family and friends, where they want to live, with whom they want to live, how their time will be occupied, and who supports them;
• Authority — to control a budget in order to purchase services and supports of their choosing;
• Support — including the ability to arrange resources and personnel, which will allow flexibility to live in the community of their choice;
• Responsibility — which includes the ability to take responsibility for making decisions in their own lives and accept a valued role in their community, and
• Confirmation — in making decisions in their own lives by designing and operating the system that they rely on.

Self-determination in California began almost twenty years ago as a small pilot project in limited areas of the state, with the intention of eventually expanding the program statewide. The time from the start of the pilot project, to Governor Brown’s signing of the law in October 2013, to now has only heightened the desire to implement self-determination broadly in California.

While approval of the Waiver represents the key step towards implementation of the Self-Determination Program, the Department and the self-determination advisory workgroup must continue to focus on finalizing program components for implementation. Providing information and support, in particular training and orientation materials, needed to assist those who are selected and choose to participate is central to implementation and is in the final stages of completion. We remain committed to implementing this important program and look forward to the continued collaboration, not only with the Department’s advisory workgroup, but also the local volunteer advisory committees and the Statewide Self-Determination Advisory Committee. The Department will publish a timeline with key dates for implementation by June 18, 2018. Updates will be posted on the Department’s dedicated website page for Self-Determination here. If you would like to be notified of future updates about Self-Determination, please send an email to sdp@dds.ca.gov.

• Self-Determination Program Waiver Application
• Self-Determination Program Services
• Self-Determination Program Service Definitions

April 25, 2018

The recently re-submitted Self-Determination Program waiver application has a proposed list of services and their definitions. A final version of services and definitions will be posted when the waiver is approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services. If you would like to see a copy of the re-submitted wavier application, please see the Implementation Update dated March 13, 2018.

Follow the links below to view the proposed list of services and a draft of the definitions. If you would like provide feedback or have questions, please email sdp@dds.ca.gov.

• Proposed Services for SDP Application
• Proposed Self-Determination Program Waiver Service Definitions

March 13, 2018

The Department is pleased to announce that on March 13, 2018, the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver application seeking federal funding for the Self-Determination Program was formally re-submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). A copy of the Waiver application is available below. CMS has 90 days to either approve the application, deny the application or request additional information. Because of all the work that’s been done with CMS to prepare for this formal re-submission, we are very hopeful the application will be approved. We will post updates regarding communications with CMS about the status of the application.

We are very appreciative of the significant efforts of the Department’s Self-Determination advisory group and other stakeholders that have been instrumental in assisting the Department in completing the Waiver application. We look forward to this continued partnership to complete the other steps necessary to implement the program. Updates will be posted as we progress toward implementation.

• Self-Determination Program Waiver Application

February 6, 2018

The Department held a meeting with the Self-Determination Workgroup on February 6, 2018. The discussion included topics involving the status of the self-determination waiver application, updates on posting information about the Self-Determination Program to the Consumer Corner Department webpage, assessing settings for compliance with the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) final rule, development of orientation materials, and self-determination program implementation needs.

Detailed meeting notes can be found here.

December 6, 2017

The Department held a meeting with the Self-Determination Workgroup on December 6, 2017. The discussion included topics involving the status of the self-determination waiver application, rates for financial management service providers, and updates from the Independent Facilitator and Training sub groups. Additionally, updates and changes to the Department’s self-determination web page were reported to the group.

Detailed meeting notes from December 6, 2017 can be found at SDP Workgroup Meeting.

November 29, 2017

DDS conducted trainings on the Self-Determination Program (SDP) at five locations throughout the state in September 2017 and October 2017. The training was designed as a train-the-trainer meeting, and was specific to learning how to conduct a SDP Informational Meeting. Those in attendance were regional centers, local consumer or family-run organizations, and community-based organizations interested in voluntarily conducting SDP Informational Meetings in their region. For information on the training materials provided at these trainings, please visit Training and Other Materials.

October 30, 2017

The Department held a conference call with the Self-Determination Workgroup on October 30, 2017. The discussion included topics involving the status of the self-determination waiver application, the recent regional center self-determination meetings and train-the-trainer community-based organization trainings. Updates were given for the Independent Facilitator, Training and Financial Management Services subgroups. Additionally, updates and changes to the Department’s self-determination web page were reported to the group.

Detailed meeting notes from October 30, 2017 can be found at SDP Workgroup Meeting.

September 26, 2017

The Department held a meeting with the Self-Determination Workgroup on September 26, 2017. The discussion included topics involving the status of the self-determination waiver application, potential provider rates and future program implementation and training needs.

Detailed meeting notes from September 26, 2017 can be found at SDP Workgroup Meeting Notes.

August 18, 2017

The Department will hold trainings on the Self-Determination Program (SDP) at five locations throughout the state in September 2017 and October 2017.

The training is designed as a train-the-trainer meeting, and will be specific to learning how to conduct a SDP Informational Meeting. The SDP Informational Meeting is required before an individual can be added to the candidate list from which the Department will randomly select the first 2,500 SDP participants. This training is open to regional centers, local consumer or family-run organizations, and community-based organizations interested in voluntarily conducting SDP Informational Meetings in their region. A community-based organization is a public or private organization of demonstrated effectiveness that is representative of a community, or significant segments of a community, and provides educational or related services to individuals in the community.

A letter was sent to community-based organizations on August 18, 2017 which can be found at How to Conduct an Informational Meeting. Informational Meeting training dates can be found at SDP Informational Meeting Notice.

Questions about these trainings can be submitted to the Department via email at sdp@dds.ca.gov.

December 21, 2015

As noted in previous updates, the Department submitted the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver application for the Self-Determination Program to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in September of this year. As part of its standard waiver review and approval process, CMS sent a letter to the State asking questions about, and requesting more information on, specific sections in the Self-Determination Program Waiver Application. Following the normal process, the Department will work through the Department of Health Care Services to provide written responses to answer CMS’ questions and secure approval of the waiver.

Questions about this process can be submitted to the Department via email at sdp@dds.ca.gov.

October 9, 2015

The Self-Determination Program Waiver Application was formally resubmitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on September 29, 2015. A summary of the comments received during the public comment period, which ended September 7, 2015, can be found on page 7 of the application.

August 7, 2015

At the request of the federal government, new language was added to the Self-Determination Program (SDP) Waiver application describing how homes and settings where SDP participants will reside and receive services meet the requirements of the federal home and community-based settings rules that became effective in March 2014. As a result of this change, the Department is required to repost the Waiver application for at least 30 days. The Waiver application will be formally resubmitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services shortly after the public comment period, which ends on September 7, 2015. A copy of the waiver application can be found at SDP Waiver Application, August 7, 2015.

SDP Local Volunteer Advisory Committees

All local volunteer advisory committees formed to provide oversight of the SDP have met at least once. California Government Code requires that these meetings to be open to the public and conducted in accordance with all the requirements of the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act. See the memo that was forwarded to regional center executive directors.

June 5, 2015

 

• Implementation Update sent to Regional Center Executive Directors (PDF)

The following is an update on activities and information related to implementation of the Self-Determination Program (SDP); specifically, the status of the SDP Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); the establishment of the SDP Local Volunteer Advisory Committees; and, the SDP enrollment process.

Information related to the implementation of the SDP can be found at Implementation Update sent to Regional Center Executive Directors.

SDP Waiver Application Status As required by law, securing federal funding is necessary to implement the SDP. To that end, an HCBS Waiver application was submitted to CMS on December 31, 2014. Subsequently, CMS asked follow-up questions related to recently enacted federal regulations and policies regarding 1) public input for Waiver applications; and, 2) federal requirements for HCBS settings. The Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health Care Services, has had a number of discussions with CMS and provided follow-up information CMS requested. CMS is currently reviewing the final draft of the plan to address the public input and settings requirements. During a conference call on May 1, 2015, CMS stated their conceptual agreement with the plan. As such, it is anticipated CMS will soon provide direction to move forward with the Wavier application. At that time, the revised Waiver application will be posted on the Department’s website for 30 days prior to being formally resubmitted to CMS. Once resubmitted, CMS will have 90 days to take one of three actions on the Waiver application: approve; deny; or request additional information. In the event CMS requests additional information to clarify other portions of the Waiver application, it is feasible that there may be an extended review period beyond the 90 days.

Additional SDP Implementation Activities and Updates

Federal approval of the Waiver application is just one of the many steps that must be taken prior to implementation of the SDP. Following are key updates:

• Local Volunteer Advisory Committees — As required by law, each regional center must establish a Local Volunteer Advisory Committee to ensure effective implementation of the SDP and facilitate the sharing of best practices and training materials. Members of these committees are appointed by the regional center and the Regional Office of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD). The committee members must include consumers, family members, the regional center clients’ rights advocate, other advocates and community leaders, and must reflect the multicultural diversity and geographic profile of the catchment area. Based on an agreement between SCDD, the Association of Regional Center Agencies, Disability Rights California and the Department, each Local Volunteer Advisory Committee will establish their local advisory committee and hold their first meeting no later than July 1, 2015.
• SDP Enrollment Process — During the first three years of the SDP, enrollment is limited to 2,500 consumers. To guide the selection of these 2,500 consumers, the SDP stakeholder advisory group identified the following steps as necessary for a fair and equitable process.
  • Outreach — Consumers and families must be aware of self-determination as an option. To assist with the provision of widespread outreach and awareness of the SDP, the Department is developing an informational video that features consumers and families currently in the self-determination pilot project as well as those who are interested in the SDP. The informational video, which will be available in multiple languages, will be completed in the summer of 2015.
  • Information — Once aware of SDP, consumers and families must be informed about this new option, including the new opportunities and increased responsibilities. Therefore, interested consumers and families will be required to participate in an informational/pre-enrollment meeting covering topics identified by the Department, including, information regarding the principles of self-determination, the role of the financial management services provider and the development of an individual budget. It is important people have this detailed information prior to being considered for enrollment in the SDP.
  • Selection — Regional centers will forward to the Department the names of those who have participated in an informational/pre-enrollment meeting and are interested in participating in the SDP. To ensure the SDP is available on an equitable basis, the number of participants in each regional center will be based on the relative percentage of total consumers served by all regional centers, minus the remaining self-determination pilot project participants. The Department will then randomly select the participants based on the following demographic factors within each regional center: age, gender, ethnicity and disability diagnosis. Consumers not initially selected will remain on the interest list for potential future openings. A more detailed description of the enrollment process is outlined in the link below.
• Self-Determination Program Enrollment

December 31, 2014

The Department is pleased to announce that on December 31, 2014, a Home and Community-Based Services Waiver application seeking federal funding for the Self-Determination Program was submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). A copy of the Waiver application is available below. We are very appreciative of the significant efforts of the stakeholder advisory group that has been instrumental in assisting the Department in completing the Waiver application, and we look forward to getting continued input from a wide range of sources as we progress toward implementing the program.

As required by law, securing federal funding is necessary in order to implement the Self-Determination Program. CMS has 90 days to take one of three actions on the Waiver application (approve; deny; or request additional information). It is very likely CMS will request additional information to clarify information in the Waiver application which will lead to an extended review period beyond the initial 90 days.

While CMS is reviewing the Waiver application, there is still much work to do including the development of training and informational materials regarding Self-Determination. We’ll continue to post progress updates on the Self-Determination Program website as we move toward implementation.

Progress updates will be posted at Self-Determination Program website.

October 21, 2014

The Self-Determination Program advisory group has drafted a proposed list of services and their definitions that will be available in the Self-Determination Program pending federal approval. Follow the links below to view the proposed list of services and a draft of the definitions.

If you would like provide feedback, please email sdp@dds.ca.gov with any suggestions or input.

• Proposed Services for SDP Application
• Proposed Self-Determination Program Waiver Service Definitions

June 11, 2014

A Self-Determination Program (SDP) advisory group has been formed to assist DDS in shaping the framework of the SDP based on the law that authorizes the program. The advisory group consists of a broad array of stakeholders including consumers, family members, service providers, regional centers, advocacy groups and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

The advisory group meetings began in December 2013. Discussions to date have included determining the preferred option for seeking federal funding and establishing priorities for completing the many steps necessary to implement the program. Priorities established and progress thus far includes:

• Established training requirements that will be included in the Waiver application. Next steps include the development of training materials and the plan for providing training.
• Established workgroup to determine the services that will be included in the SDP and Waiver application.
• Established workgroup to determine the requirements for service provider background checks.
• Established equitable method for determining the number of SDP participants in each regional center for the first three years.
• Other priorities that will be addressed soon include:
  • Establishing monitoring and oversight requirements
  • Determining how participants will be selected during the first three years
  • Establishing local advisory committees