Health and human services.
The bill aims to improve access to respite services while controlling expenditures associated with regional center purchases. It stipulates that respite services can only be purchased when the consumer's care needs exceed those of a typical individual of the same age without developmental disabilities. Moreover, the bill introduces a framework for providers seeking exemptions to the typical workweek limitations, allowing qualified providers to work additional hours under certain circumstances, thereby addressing unique consumer needs more effectively.
Assembly Bill 126, approved in July 2017, is focused on amending sections of the Welfare and Institutions Code as it pertains to health and human services, particularly within the context of developmental services. The bill mandates the State Department of Developmental Services to develop an alternative service delivery model that offers an Individual Choice Budget, intended to provide flexibility and choice for consumers. The bill allocates $100,000 from the Federal Trust Fund for its implementation, specifically related to community respite services.
The sentiment surrounding AB 126 appears to be largely favorable among those concerned with developmental services. It is perceived as a necessary step towards giving families more choice and flexibility in how they obtain respite services. However, stakeholders express varying degrees of concern regarding the implications of potential exemptions from workweek limits, fearing it could strain resources or impact service quality.
A significant point of contention relates to the process of granting exemptions for service providers to work beyond the typically allowable hours. This could lead to confusion or inconsistencies in service delivery if not properly regulated. Furthermore, the provision that restricts the purchase of respite services unless specific conditions are met could be viewed as overly restrictive by some advocates who support more direct access to necessary services for families facing significant caregiving challenges.