Bill > SB471

This bill establishes the Office of the Developmental Services Ombudsperson as an independent entity within the California Department of Developmental Services to monitor and support individuals served by regional centers, including those in the Self-Determination Program and early intervention services. The ombudsperson will be appointed by the Director of Developmental Services for a four-year term, with input from a committee of advocates and consumers, and will have broad powers to receive, investigate, and resolve complaints from individuals with developmental disabilities or their representatives. The office will be responsible for disseminating information, providing training, accessing records, conducting investigations, and compiling data about the developmental services system, while maintaining strict confidentiality of complainants and investigation details. The bill prohibits the ombudsperson and staff from being compelled to testify in judicial proceedings and grants them immunity in the performance of their duties. Notably, the bill was prompted by concerns about the treatment of vulnerable individuals in developmental services settings, as evidenced by a Los Angeles Times article about potential abuse in a group home, and is designed to provide an independent advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities to ensure their rights and quality of care are protected.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB471