About Us
Accomplishments 2006-07
Legislative, Budgetary and Regulatory Processes
- Interacted with the Legislature and the Executive Branch with regard to legislation of interest to the developmental services delivery system.
- Tracked more than 115 bills during the 2006-07 legislative session. Testified on legislation on which ARCA has support positions or oppose positions.
- Developed budget analysis (proposed 2007-2008 fiscal year Budget Act) for ARCA members and developed verbal and written testimony for legislative budget committees.
- Analyzed Trailer Bill and Budget Act language
- Provided verbal and written testimony before legislative budget committees relative to various cost containment proposals to the regional center budget and related programs as proposed by the Administration and the Legislature.
- Provided testimony before legislative budget and policy committees relative to the closure of Agnews Developmental Center .
- Developed an ARCA position statement regarding the 2007-08 proposed budget, with dissemination through regional centers and the ARCA web site.
- Developed the ARCA 2006-07 Legislative Platform and Budget Issues
- Responded to draft regulations regarding the following subjects:
- Self-Directed services
- Respite care rate increases
- Behavior management consultants
- Self employment
- Met with representatives from the Department of Finance, Health and Human Services Agency, Legislative Analyst Office, and the Legislature regarding ARCA=s concerns relating to the implementation of CADDIS.
- Provided input to DDS, LAO and the Legislature regarding methods to secure Medicaid waiver funds from regional center contract providers.
- Provided analysis of bills involving changes to law regarding guardianships and conservatorships.
Collaborations Regarding Significant Issues
- Worked with DDS to further refine regional center Performance Plan contracts
- Worked with DDS and other stakeholders in the continued development of the Independence Plus Waiver
- Participated on DDS Self Determination Task Force with pilot regional centers
- Created ARCA Self-Directed Services Task Force for the review and implementation of Senate Bill 481 (Chesbro)
- Participated on Mental Health Collaborative consisting of representatives from DDS, Department of Mental Health (DMH), and California Mental Health Directors Association
- Received grant funding to retain consultants to implement plan to serve dually diagnosed consumers
- Began plans to convene joint mental health/developmental disabilities informational summit
- Provided training and intervention to regional centers and county mental health agencies
- Participated in DDS Disaster Preparedness Task Force
- Worked with DDS to devise strategies to qualify additional persons for the Medicaid Waiver Program and qualify new services for federal financial participation
- Collaborated with DDS to revise allocation methodologies for POS and Operations
- Collaborated with DDS, DHS and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding issues pertaining to the Medicaid Waiver (MW) program
- Negotiated with DDS the standard agreement contract language for all regional centers
- Provided information to financial institutions regarding regional center cash flow issues for the 2007-08 fiscal year
- Participated in a workgroup with County Welfare Directors Association, DDS, and DSS in the development of a proposal relating to rate setting issues for foster care and the Adoptions Assistance Program.
- Held yearly meetings with Protection and Advocacy, Inc. to discuss operating issues between regional centers and the Office of Clients Rights Advocacy.
- Met periodically with the Coalition for the Preservation of the Lanterman Act regarding the governor=s budget and major program issues affecting the developmental services delivery system.
- Participated in meetings with DDS and the California State Hospital Parents Council (CSH-PC) regarding consumers residing in developmental centers
- Participated in meetings with DDS regarding collaboration with Regional Resource Development Programs (RRDPs)
- Worked cooperatively with DDS in the implementation of Part D Medicare Program.
- Participated in CADDIS Steering Committee, ARCA Information Systems Committee; sent various letters to the Department of Developmental Services regarding ARCA=s position on CADDIS
- Provided testimony and support in the confirmation of the new DDS director to Senate Rules Committee
- Participated in planning of the DDS Wellness Conference. (ARCA is a co-sponsor.)
- Participated in the Coalition for Compassionate Care Developmental Disabilities Task Force
- Began plans to host “Final Journeys” conference on quality end-of-life choices and issues for people with developmental disabilities
- Worked with DDS and its contractor in refining the Special Incident Reporting system.
- Surveyed regional centers regarding cash flow, respite expenditures, and service codes.
- Provided technical assistance and support on financial issues to Alta California Regional Center .
- Provided technical assistance to DDS on the Family Cost Participation Program (updated all computer tools for new rate tables).
- Attended meetings for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities
- Actively participated in the State Council’s SB 1270 stakeholder meetings
- Participated in the Legislative Blue Ribbon Autism Commission
- Participated in meetings with the Olmstead Advisory Committee
- Participated in California Disability Action Network townhall telemeetings
- Attended and supported Frank D. Lanterman and Harbor Regional Center Symposium
- Updated ARCA Personnel policies manual
- Modified ARCA bylaws
- Reinstated ARCA Housing Committee
Events, Presentations, Trainings, Projects and Materials
- Sponsored ARCA New Day California conference in San Diego
- Sponsored ARCA Grass Roots Day and reception.
- Presentations were made to the following regional center boards and discipline groups:
- C Alta California Regional Center, Central Valley Regional Center, Golden Gate Regional Center, Kern Regional Center, North Los Angeles County Regional Center, Regional Center of Orange County, San Diego Regional Center, San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center, Tri-Counties Regional Center, Westside Regional Center
- C Chief Administrators, Chief Counselors, and Chiefs of Clinical Services
- Presentations were made to the following other groups and conferences:
- C People First of California , State Council on Developmental Disabilities Legislative Commitee
- Provided assistance to several regional centers regarding the development of their sufficiency of allocation reports and related issues
- Compared federal revenues from current year to past years
- Surveyed regional centers regarding cash flow; liability, employment benefits and insurance cost increases
- Developed various statistical analyses of regional center information
- Compiled and circulated monthly summary of regional center expenditure reports
- Provided technical assistance to regional center administrators and fiscal staff
- Facilitated communication between ARCA and regional center public information contacts
- Tracked media and public relations trends, stories and general coverage on issues related to developmental disabilities throughout the state
- Updated ARCA website with all relevant legislative, budgetary and other information for use by regional centers and the community at large.
- Produced annual ARCA calendar.
- Updated ARCA information packet.
- Revised draft ARCA AVision Statement.@
- Participated in meetings with DDS staff, DR staff, legislative staff and vendor groups to discuss the allocation of additional funding for supported employment programs and wage increase to direct service professionals.
- Provided analysis of 2006 Sacramento State Movers Report.
- Provided analysis of new federal requirements regarding documentation of evidence of citizenship for consumer receiving or applying for Medi-Cal.
- Developed information and material as part of ARCA=s 2007 Grass Roots Day effort.
ARCA Accomplishments for 2005-06
Legislative, Budgetary and Regulatory Processes
- Sponsored SCR 115 (Chesbro) Year of the Community and Developmental Disabilities
- Interacted with the Legislature and the Executive Branch with regard to legislation of interest to the developmental services delivery system.
- Tracked more than 130 bills during the 2005-06 legislative session. Testified on legislation on which ARCA has support positions or oppose positions.
- Developed budget analysis (proposed 2006-2007 fiscal year Budget Act) for ARCA members and developed verbal and written testimony for legislative budget committees.
- Analyzed Trailer Bill and Budget Act language.
- Provided verbal and written testimony before legislative budget committees relative to various cost containment proposals to the regional center budget and related programs as proposed by the Administration and the Legislature.
- Developed an ARCA position statement regarding the 2006-2007 proposed budget, with dissemination through regional centers and the ARCA web site.
- Developed the ARCA 2005-06 Legislative Platform and Budget Issues
- Responded to draft regulations regarding the following subjects:
- Supported Living Services
- Self-Directed Services
- Met with representatives from the Department of Finance, Health and Human Services Agency, Legislative Analyst Office, and the Legislature regarding ARCA’s concerns relating to the implementation of CADDIS.
- Provided input to DDS, LAO and the Legislature regarding methods to secure medicaid waiver funds from regional center contract providers.
- Reviewed Family Teaching Home regulations.
- Developed cost proposal to pay for regional center staff to assist Deloitte Consulting in completing the design and programming of CADDIS.
- Developed cost proposal for additional RC case managers to address CMS’s concerns expressed in the final HCBS Waiver audit report.
- Provided analysis of bills involving changes to law regarding Guardianships and Conservatorships.
Collaborations Regarding Significant Issues
- Worked with DDS to further refine regional center Performance Plan contracts
- Worked with DDS and other stakeholders in development of the Independence Plus Waiver
- Participated on DDS Self Determination Task Force with pilot regional centers
- Participated on Mental Health Committee consisting of representatives from DDS, Department of Mental Health (DMH), and Local Mental Health Directors Association
- Worked with DDS to devise strategies to qualify additional persons for the Medicaid Waiver Program and qualify new services for federal financial participation
- Collaborated with DDS to revise allocation methodologies for POS and Operations
- Collaborated with DDS, DHS and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding issues pertaining to the Medicaid Waiver (MW) program
- Negotiated with DDS the standard agreement contract language for all regional centers
- Provided information to financial institutions regarding regional center cash flow issues for the 2006-2007 fiscal year
- Participated in a workgroup with County Welfare Directors Association, DDS, and DSS in the development of a proposal relating to rate setting issues for foster care and the
- Adoptions Assistance Program.
- Held yearly meetings with Protection and Advocacy, Inc. to discuss operating issues between regional centers and the Office of Clients Rights Advocacy.
- Met periodically with the Coalition for the Preservation of the Lanterman Act regarding the governor’s budget and major program issues affecting the developmental services delivery system.
- Worked cooperatively with DDS in the implementation of Part D Medicare Program.
- Participated in CADDIS Steering Committee, ARCA Information Systems Committee; sent various letters to the Department of Developmental Services regarding ARCA’s position on CADDIS
- Provided input to Health and Human Services Agency on selection of a new director for DDS.
- Participated in planning of the proposed DDS Wellness Conference. (ARCA is a co-sponsor.)
- Participated in and co-sponsored the HSRI Quality Assurance Conference.
- Participated in the Coalition for Compassionate Care.
- Received funding from DDS and DMH to secure a consultant with expertise in dual diagnosis (developmental disabilities and mental health).
- Worked with DDS and its contractor in refining the Special Incident Reporting system.
- "Plan B" if CADDIS is not completed.
- Surveyed regional centers regarding cash flow, respite expenditures, CADDIS costs, and service codes.
- Provided interim CFO support to Alta California Regional Center.
- Provided technical assistance to DDS on the Family Cost Participation Program (updated all computer tools for new rate tables).
Events, Presentations, Trainings, Projects and Materials
- Sponsored ARCA Grass Roots Day and reception.
Presentations were made to the following regional center boards and discipline groups:
- Alta California Regional Center, Golden Gate Regional Center, Inland Regional Center, Kern Regional Center, North Los Angeles County Regional Center, Regional Center of the East Bay, San Andreas Regional Center, San Diego Regional Center, Tri-Counties Regional Center
- Chief Administrators, Chief Counselors, Physicians Group, Nurse Consultants Group and Chiefs of Clinical Services
- Presentations were made to the following other groups and conferences:
- California Association of Health Facilities, Ability First Conference
- Provided assistance to several regional centers regarding the development of their sufficiency of allocation reports and related issues
- Compared federal revenues from current year to past years
- Surveyed regional centers regarding cash flow; liability, employment benefits and insurance cost increases
- Developed various statistical analyses of regional center information
- Compiled and circulated monthly summary of regional center expenditure reports
- Provided technical assistance to regional center administrators and fiscal staff
- Facilitated communication between ARCA and regional center public information contacts
- Tracked media and public relations trends, stories and general coverage on issues related to developmental disabilities throughout the state
- Updated ARCA website with all relevant legislative, budgetary and other information for use by regional centers and the community at large.
- Produced annual ARCA calendar.
- Updated ARCA website daily with relevant articles from newspapers and other publications throughout the state.
- Updated ARCA information packet.
- Developed a draft ARCA "Vision Statement."
- "Case Management White Paper."
- Provided detailed analysis of the CTA rate increase proposal.
- Participated in meetings with DDS staff, DR staff, legislative staff and vendor groups to discuss the CRA rate increase proposal.
- Provided analysis of 2006 Sacramento State Movers Report.
- Provided analysis of new federal requirements regarding documentation of evidence of citizenship for consumer receiving or applying for Medi-Cal.
- Developed information and material as part of ARCA’s 2006 Grass Roots Day effort.
ARCA Accomplishments for 2004-2005
Legislative, Budgetary and Regulatory Processes
- Interacted with the Legislature and the Executive Branch with regard to legislation of interest to the developmental services delivery system.
- Tracked more than 90 bills during the 2004-05 legislative session. Testified on legislation on which ARCA has support positions or oppose positions.
- Developed budget analysis (proposed 2005-2006 fiscal year Budget Act) for ARCA members and developed verbal and written testimony for legislative budget committees.
- Analyzed Trailer Bill and Budget Act language.
- Provided verbal and written testimony before legislative budget committees relative to various budget reduction proposals to the regional center budget and related programs as proposed by the Administration and the Legislature.
- Developed an ARCA budget position paper regarding the 2005-2006 budget, with dissemination through regional centers and the ARCA web site.
- Responded to draft regulations regarding the following subjects:
- Voucher respite
- Family Cost Participation
- Habilitation services
- Activated the ARCA Action Alert network regarding legislation of high importance to the organization.
- Continued working with the ARCA e-mail communications network to develop immediate grass roots communication to the legislature and the governor on budgetary issues and legislation affecting the developmental services delivery system.
- Provided analysis of Self-Directed Services proposal for California, including actions taken by other states.
- Created a Self-Determination Task Force.
- Created an Early Start Monitoring Task Force.
- Created a Supported Living Task Force to review draft DDS regulations.
- Provided Legislative Orientation to Legislative staff.
- Met with representatives from the Department of Finance and Health and Human Services Agencies regarding ARCA’s concerns relating to the implementation of CADDIS.
- Participated in meetings regarding the transfer of the Habilitation Program from the Department of Rehabilitation to the Department of Developmental Services.
- Sponsored AB 1130 (Ruskin), which was signed by the governor.
- Helped to develop regional center Operations Budget survey.
Collaborations Regarding Significant Issues
- Worked with DDS to further refine regional center Performance Plan contracts
- Worked with DDS and other stakeholders in development of the Independence Plus Waiver
- Participated on DDS Self Determination Task Force with pilot regional centers
- Participated on Mental Health Task Force consisting of representatives from DDS, Department of Mental Health (DMH), and Local Mental Health Directors Association
- Worked with DDS to devise strategies to qualify additional persons for the Medicaid Waiver Program and qualify new services for federal financial participation
- Provided Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) / Department of Finance (DOF) / DDS with information regarding the 2005-2006 Fiscal Year budget
- Collaborated with DDS to revise allocation methodologies for POS and Operations
- Collaborated with DDS, DHS and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding issues pertaining to the Medicaid Waiver (MW) program
- Negotiated with DDS the standard agreement contract language for all regional centers
- Provided information to financial institutions regarding regional center cash flow issues for the 2005-2006 fiscal year
"rate setting issues" for the Adoptions Assistance Program. Sought legal recourse in regards to a regulation promulgated by the Department of Social Services that ARCA believed to be illegal.
- Held yearly meetings with Protection and Advocacy, Inc. to discuss operating issues between regional centers and the Office of Clients Rights Advocacy.
- Met periodically with the Coalition for the Preservation of the Lanterman Act regarding the governor’s budget proposals to reduce expenditures
- Provided follow-up with legal counsel regarding Morohoshi vs. Harbor Regional Center
- Created a Part D Medicare multi disciplinary task force
- Participated in CADDIS Steering Committee, ARCA Information Systems Committee; sent various letters to the Department of Developmental Services regarding ARCA’s position on CADDIS
- Provided input to DDS regarding the CDER conversion
- Provided clarification regarding IFSPs (i.e., Individual and Family Services Plan need not be signed at the family home)
- Negotiated with DDS regarding identification of registered sex offenders in response to Bureau of State Audits review
Events, Presentations, Trainings, Projects and Materials
- Sponsored ARCA Grass Roots Day and reception.
- Presentations were made to the following regional center boards and discipline groups:
- California Association of Health Facilities, Harbor Regional Center, San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center, North Los Angeles County Regional Center, Kern Regional Center, the Association of Mental Retardation
- Chief Administrators, Chief Counselors, Physicians Group, Nurse Consultants Group and Chiefs of Clinical Services
- Provided assistance to several regional centers regarding the development of their sufficiency of allocation reports and related issues
- Compared federal revenues from current year to past years
- Surveyed regional centers regarding cash flow; liability, employment benefits and insurance cost increases
- Developed various statistical analyses of regional center information
- Compiled and circulated monthly summary of regional center expenditure reports
- Provided technical assistance to regional center administrators and fiscal staff
- Facilitated communication between ARCA and regional center public information contacts
- Tracked media and public relations trends, stories and general coverage on issues related to developmental disabilities throughout the state
- Updated ARCA website with all relevant legislative, budgetary and other information for use by regional centers and the community at large.
- Produced annual ARCA calendar.
- Updated ARCA website daily with relevant articles from newspapers and other publications throughout the state.
- Updated ARCA information packet.
- "A New Day Alternatives to Traditional Support," that attracted more than 400 people.
- Provided substantial technical assistance to Alta California Regional Center.
- Met with representatives from Trilogy on several occasions to discuss implementation of an online resource for primary consumers and families.
ARCA Accomplishments for 2003-2004
Legislative, Budgetary and Regulatory Processes
- Interacted with the Legislature and the Executive Branch with regard to legislation of interest to the developmental services delivery system. Tracked more than 90 bills during the 2003-04 legislative session. Testified on legislation on which ARCA has support positions or oppose positions.
- Monitored implementation of AB 359 (Aroner), chaptered 10/10/99, the pilot project creating continuous nursing care in ICF/DD-CN facilities; worked with the Departments of Developmental Services (DDS) and Health Services (DHS).
- Provided analysis and verbal testimony regarding the governor’s proposed mid-year budget reductions, including elimination of the Lanterman Act entitlement.
- Developed budget analysis (proposed 2004-2005 fiscal year Budget Act) for ARCA members and developed verbal and written testimony for legislative budget committees.
- Analyzed Trailer Bill and Budget Act language.
- Developed analysis summarizing the impact of current year and proposed budget year regional center Operations budget reductions.
- Provided information and responded to questions from the Assembly Budget Oversight meetings regarding high growth programs. Specifically provided written and verbal information regarding the true cost of regional center administrative overhead.
- Provided input to the Department of Developmental Services regarding proposed statewide Purchase of Service Standards.
- Provided input to the Department of Developmental Services regarding proposals relating to Family Co-Pay.
- Provided verbal and written testimony before legislative budget committees relative to various budget reduction proposals to the regional center budget and related programs as proposed by the Administration and the Legislature.
- Developed an ARCA budget position paper regarding the 2004-2005 budget, with dissemination through regional centers and the ARCA web site.
- Responded to draft regulations regarding the following subjects:
- Habilitation Services
- Capturing Federal Funding for Contracted Services
- In-Home Respite Services
- Vouchered Respite Services
- Activated the ARCA Action Alert network regarding legislation of high importance to the organization.
- Continued working with the ARCA e-mail communications network to develop immediate grass roots communication to the legislature and the governor on budgetary issues and legislation affecting the developmental services delivery system.
Collaborations Regarding Significant Issues
- Performance Plan Task Force with DDS to develop pilot projects for new performance plan contracts
- DDS and other stakeholders in development of the Independence Plus Waiver
- DDS Self Determination Task Force with pilot regional centers
- Mental Health Task Force consisting of representatives from DDS, Department of Mental Health (DMH), and Local Mental Health Directors Association.
- Various committees and groups to plan and implement a computerized billing and management information system for regional centers (CADDIS)
- DDS to devise strategies to qualify additional persons for the Medicaid Waiver Program and qualify new services for federal financial participation.
- DDS POS Variance Report II
- Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) / Department of Finance (DOF) / DDS to provide information the regarding the 2004-2005 Fiscal Year budget;
- DDS to revise allocation methodologies for POS and Operations
- DDS regarding proposed interagency agreement with California Department of Corrections (CDC) and related entities, on serving consumers in prisons
- DDS, DHS and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding issues pertaining to the Medicaid Waiver (MW) program
- Transfer of the Habilitation Program from the Dept. of Rehabilitation to the Dept. of Developmental Services
- DDS to negotiate regional center standard agreement contract
- California Long Term Care Planning Council
- Funding options for People First of California, Inc.
- Financial institutions regarding regional center cash flow issues for the 2004-2005 fiscal year
- DDS/DOR and stakeholders regarding the transfer of the Habilitation Program from Dept. of Rehabilitation to Dept. of Developmental Services and regional centers. Reviewed The Commission on Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Reviewed CARF Employment and Community Services, Consumer and Family Guide to Services, Fourth Edition.
- Reviewed and summarized 25 state level fair hearing decisions made by representatives from the Office of Administrative Law which were submitted by regional centers because of their perceived unfairness, illegality, and/or inappropriateness to the subject being addressed.
- DDS and DSS regarding the Adoption Assistance Program
- DDS regarding the implementation of the regional center risk management program
- Liaison functions to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.
- Yearly meeting with Protection and Advocacy, Inc. to discuss operating issues between regional centers and the Office of Clients Rights Advocacy.
- The Coalition for the Preservation of the Lanterman Act regarding the governor’s mid-year budget reduction proposal and governor’s budget proposals to reduce expenditures.
- Petition to the California Supreme Court requesting that it depublish and/or hear the appeal of Morohoshi v. Pacific Home.
- Legal opinion regarding the liability of regional center boards due to loss of liability insurance.
- Legal counsel to advise DDS that it had no authority transmitting a letter to regional centers stating centers had no authority to require service providers to name regional centers as additional insured.
- DDS to provide technical assistance in the development of numerous spreadsheet applications, including one used by regional centers to calculate caseload ratios.
- DDS to develop an application to automate the entry of authorizations for Habilitation Services.
- DDS to review the Sufficiency of Allocation reports with each regional center.
- Developed a task force to view regional center responsibilities relating to compliance with HIPAA.
Events, Presentations, Trainings, Projects and Materials
- Sponsored ARCA Grass Roots Day and reception honoring Senators Burton and Vasconcellos.
- Coordinated special ARCA meeting regarding conflict resolution
- Presentations were made to the following regional center boards and discipline groups:
- Alta California Regional Center, Inland Regional Center, Kern Regional Center, North Bay Regional Center, North Los Angeles Regional Center, Redwood Coast Regional Center, San Andreas Regional Center, San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center
- Chief Administrators, Chief Counselors, Physicians Group, Nurse Consultants Group and Chiefs of Clinical Services
- Provided assistance to several regional centers regarding the development of their sufficiency of allocation reports and related issues
- Created ARCA Consumer Advisory Committee and adaptable materials regarding ARCA’s organizational structure
- Compared federal revenues from current year to past years
- Surveyed regional centers regarding cash flow; on liability and employment benefit insurance cost increases
- Developed various statistical analyses of regional center information
- Compiled and circulated monthly summary of regional center expenditure reports
- Provided technical assistance to regional center administrators and fiscal staff
- Facilitated communication between ARCA and regional center public information contacts
- Tracked media and public relations trends, stories and general coverage on issues related to developmental disabilities throughout the state
- Updated ARCA website with all relevant legislative, budgetary and other information for use by regional centers and the community at large
- Produced annual ARCA calendar
- Updated ARCA website daily with relevant articles from newspapers and other publications throughout the state
- Updated ARCA information packet
ARCA Accomplishments for 2002-03
Legislative and Budgetary and Regulatory Processes
- Interacted with the Legislature and the Executive Branch with regard to legislation of interest to the developmental services delivery system. Tracked more than 60 bills during the 2003 legislative session. Testified on legislation on which ARCA has support positions or oppose positions at the request of the bills’ authors as bill move through the legislative process.
- Sponsored AB 200 (Richman) providing legislative intent to close four of the five remaining developmental centers over a ten year period and requiring savings to remain in the developmental services system.
- Acted as co-sponsor with Regional Center of Orange County and San Diego Regional Center for AB 1393 (Bates) regarding vendorization standards.
- Developed in-depth analysis of SB 577 (Keuhl) regarding responsibilities and authority of Protection and Advocacy, Inc.
- Monitored and developed analyses of amendments to AB 896 (Aroner) throughout the 2002 legislative year.
- Monitored implementation of AB 359 (Aroner), chaptered 10/10/99, the pilot project creating continuous nursing care in ICF/DD-CN facilities; worked with the Departments of Developmental Services (DDS) and Health Services (DHS).
- Developed budget analysis (proposed 2003-2004 fiscal year Budget Act) for ARCA members and developed verbal and written testimony for legislative budget committees. Analyzed Trailer Bill and Budget Act language.
- Provided verbal and written testimony before legislative budget committees relative to various budget reduction proposals to the regional center budget and related programs as proposed by the Administration and the Legislature. (Note: Provided testimony, either written or verbal, in opposition to various Republican budget reduction proposals affecting the regional center system and related programs.)
- Developed an ARCA budget position paper regarding the 2003-2004 budget, with dissemination through regional centers and the ARCA web site.
- Successfully worked with the Administration and Legislature to mitigate regional center cash flow problems during the 2002-2003 fiscal year and the 2003-2004 fiscal year.
- Responded to draft regulations regarding the following subjects:
- Title 17, Special Incident Reporting Procedures Regulations
- Title 17, Respite Regulations
- Early Intervention Regulations
- Activated the ARCA Action Alert network regarding legislation of high importance to the organization.
- After the elections, developed chart specifying which legislators served each regional center catchment area.
- After the election, developed legislative information packet for regional centers to present to new legislators in their home districts.
- Continued working with the ARCA e-mail communications network to develop immediate grass roots communication to the legislature and the governor on budgetary issues and legislation affecting the developmental services delivery system.
Documents Affecting the Regional Center System
- State of the State in Developmental Disabilities: 2002 Study Summary
- ARCA Position Paper Regarding the California Budget Fiscal Crisis
- Summary of ARCA Budget Positions (FY 02-03, 03-04)
- ARCA's 2003-2004 Legislative Platform and Budget Issues
- ARCA Response to April 7, 2003, Joint Hearing of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 and the Assembly Committee on Human Services
- ARCA Response to April 7, 2003 Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 3 Hearing
- ARCA Response to CRA Position Paper
- ARCA Response to PAI, SCDD, USC University Affiliated Program Report on "Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: Victims of Abuse and Neglect"
- ARCA Statement of Unity
Collaborations Regarding Significant Issues
- Participated on/worked with:
- Performance Plan Task Force with DDS to develop pilot projects for new performance plan contracts;
- DDS Self Determination Task Force with pilot regional centers;
- Mental Health Task Force consisting of representatives from DDS, Department of Mental Health (DMH), and Local Mental Health Directors Association. Planned Mental Health Summit for Regional Center Directors and County Mental Health Directors; monitored status of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between regional centers and 58 County Mental Health Departments;
- DDS/ARCA task force to plan and implement computerized billing and management information system for regional centers (CADDIS);
- DDS and ARCA consultant to devise strategies to qualify additional persons for the Medicaid Waiver Program and qualify new services for federal financial participation;
- DDS/ARCA POS Variance Report II survey;
- DDS/ARCA to develop a new community placement plan process for persons residing in developmental centers;
- Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) / DDS to provide information regarding the 2003-2004 Fiscal Year budget;
- DDS/ARCA to develop allocation methodologies for POS and operations;
- DDS regarding proposed interagency agreement with California Department of Corrections (CDC) and related entities, on serving consumers in prisons;
- DDS, DHS and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding issues pertaining to the Medicaid Waiver (MW) program;
- DDS, OAB and area boards regarding Life Quality Assessment issues;
- DDS and regional centers regarding the regional center projected deficit and the purchase of service budget;
- DDS regarding decisions made by the Office of Administrative Hearings which regional centers believe are contrary to the law;
- Plaintiffs' attorney to support Sanchez class action lawsuit;
- Transfer of the Habilitation Program from the Dept. of Rehabilitation to the Dept. of Developmental Services;
- DDS to negotiate regional center standard agreement contract;
- California Long Term Care Planning Council;
- Public Awareness Committee of the Interagency Coordinating Council for Early Start;
- Funding options for People First of California, Inc.;
- The administration, legislature and financial institutions regarding regional center cash flow issues for the 2002-2003 fiscal year and the 2003-2004 fiscal year;
- Industrial Welfare Commission and Regional Center service providers regarding Wage Order No. 5;
- Dept. of Rehabilitation staff, Rehabilitation Association and stakeholders regarding restructuring of the Habilitation program and quarterly meetings related to Rehabilitation program;
- DDS, DSS and County Welfare Directors Association regarding Adoption Assistance Program;
- DDS and Columbus Medical Services regarding the development of a regional center special incident reporting system;
- DDS, in conjunction with the ARCA Eligibility Task Force, to develop documents relating to Autistic Spectrum Disorder Best Practice Guidelines and clarification regarding Fifth Category Eligibility;
- DDS to update the original California Report on Autism.
Events, Presentations, Trainings, Projects and Materials
- Sponsored/Co-Sponsored:
- Training to legislators and legislative staff regarding the regional center system;
- Participated in the UCP sponsored "The World is Watching" march on the Capitol;
- Directors Emergency Planning Session;
- Board Member Delegates retreat;
- Regional Center Director/SELPA Directors Summit;
- ARCA/DDS/Mental Health Directors Summit;
- AIDS Trainings for Residential Care Providers.
- Presentations were made to the following regional center boards and discipline groups:
- Central Valley Regional Center, Golden Gate Regional Center, Inland Regional Center, Kern Regional Center, North Bay Regional Center, North Los Angeles County Regional Center, San Andreas Regional Center, San Diego Regional Center, San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center, Westside Regional Center
- Chief Administrators, Chief Counselors, Nurse Consultants Group and Chiefs of Clinical Services
- Presentations were made to the following organizations:
- California Association of Health Facilities
- Organization of Area Boards
- Developmental Services Network
- UCP of Sacramento
- Provided assistance to several regional centers regarding the development of their sufficiency of allocation reports and related issues
- Created ARCA Consumer Advisory Committee and adaptable materials regarding ARCA's organizational structure
- Created the Community Placement Plan Task Force
- Created ARCA Rural and High Growth Area Task Force
- Provided committee oversight regarding implementation of the ARCA Strategic Plan
- Compared federal revenues from current year to past years
- Compiled information on regional center parent-vendored respite procedures necessary to support DDS effort to increase federal revenues
- Assisted information required to generate additional federal revenues
- Developed spreadsheets for DDS related to regional center rent issues
- Prepared and distributed report of POS expenditures by service code by regional center for the fiscal years 1998-1999, 1999-2000, 2000-2001, 2001-2002
- Surveyed regional centers regarding cash flow; on liability and employment benefit insurance cost increases
- Developed various statistical analyses of regional center information
- Compiled and circulated monthly summary of regional center expenditure reports
- Surveyed and compiled data on the cost of the budget delay to regional centers
- Provided technical assistance to regional center administrators and fiscal staff
- Participated in statewide CADDIS conference
- Facilitated press conference for Capitol Press Corps regarding impact of 2002-2003 budget stalemate on developmental disabilities services system; press conference resulted in television coverage throughout state and articles in major California newspapers
- Transmitted monthly news clips to regional center public information contacts and weekly informational packets to the ARCA board
- Revised existing and developed new ARCA fact sheets including the ARCA Fact Sheet, Regional Center Fact Sheet, Developmental Disability Fact Sheet and Lanterman Act Fact Sheet
- Facilitated communication between ARCA and regional center public information contacts
- Tracked media and public relations trends, stories and general coverage on issues related to developmental disabilities throughout the state
- Updated ARCA website with all relevant legislative, budgetary and other information for use by regional centers and the community at large
- Produced annual ARCA calendar
- Participated in the Governor's annual tree lighting ceremony.
