CREATING SAFER, MORE ACCESSIBLE HOMES TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT LIVING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Home Modification Services in California help individuals with developmental disabilities or physical limitations live more safely and independently in their own homes. These services are authorized through California Regional Centers, the Self-Determination Program (SDP), and certain Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, and must align with the individual’s Individual Program Plan (IPP) or Person-Centered Plan (PCP).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Role: Oversees home modification services via Regional Centers and the Self-Determination Program

Agency: Regional Centers (21 nonprofit agencies statewide)
Role: Authorize modifications in IPPs, approve vendors, and ensure safety and compliance

Agency: California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
Role: Manages Medi-Cal programs that may include home modification under EPSDT or waivers

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Ensures home modification services under Medicaid meet federal HCBS guidelines

​

2. HOME MODIFICATION SERVICE OVERVIEW

Home Modification Services include physical adaptations to the home environment that enhance accessibility, safety, and daily function for the individual. Modifications must be necessary, cost-effective, and directly related to the individual’s disability and functional needs.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Wheelchair ramps and widened doorways
• Accessible bathrooms (grab bars, roll-in showers, lowered sinks)
• Stair lifts and platform lifts
• Kitchen adaptations (adjusted countertops, accessible appliances)
• Installation of handrails, safety equipment, and non-slip flooring
• Coordination with contractors and permit offices
• Documentation of expenses, photos, and installation reports

​

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the California Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Apply for vendorization through a Regional Center under Service Code 56 (Home Modifications) or similar

OR provide services under the Self-Determination Program via an FMS

• Possess a valid California Contractor License (Class B – General Building, or applicable trade license)
• Carry general liability insurance and bonding
• Ensure staff and subcontractors are background-checked if working in client homes

​

4. REGIONAL CENTER VENDORIZATION PROCESS

Step 1: Contact Regional Center

Request vendor application for Home Modification Services

Step 2: Submit Documentation

Include business license, contractor license, project workflow, cost estimation templates, and sample invoices

Provide quality control and safety protocols, staff roles, and consent procedures

Step 3: Approval and Vendor Number Assignment

Begin receiving referrals from service coordinators once authorized in the IPP

​

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Fictitious Business Name (FBN)
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• California contractor’s license and insurance
• Regional Center vendor approval or Self-Determination authorization

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Client intake, pre-assessment, and consent forms
• Pre- and post-modification documentation (including photos)
• Cost proposal and approval process
• Construction safety and ADA compliance checklists
• Emergency and incident protocols
• Quality assurance and subcontractor management procedures
• Staff background clearance and credential logs
• Warranty and follow-up maintenance policies

​

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Project Manager / Contractor
Requirements: California-licensed contractor (Class B or relevant specialty), ADA knowledge, experience with residential accessibility

Role: Installation Team / Subcontractor
Requirements:

• Licensed, bonded, and insured (if applicable)
• Experience in accessibility construction
• Background check and safety training documentation

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• ADA standards and universal design principles
• Confidentiality and client interaction best practices
• Home safety and incident response
• Annual compliance review with Regional Center expectations

​

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Home Modification Services are reimbursed under:

• HCBS Waiver for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (1915(c))
• Regional Center Services (IPP-aligned)
• Self-Determination Program (SDP)
• EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment) – for youth with medical necessity

Approved providers may deliver:

• One-time or episodic home modifications
• Coordination with planning teams, vendors, and inspectors
• Detailed documentation and fiscal accountability
• Training for the individual or family on usage and maintenance

​

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Contractor Licensing & Regional Center Vendorization
Timeline: 45–90 days

Phase: Staff/Contractor Hiring & Compliance Setup
Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Referral Coordination and Project Approval
Timeline: Ongoing (based on IPP timelines)

​

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Email: info@dds.ca.gov
Website: https://www.dds.ca.gov

California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Website: https://www.cslb.ca.gov

California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
Website: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov

Find Your Regional Center:
Website: https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/lookup

​

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• Regional Center vendorization or SDP onboarding
• Policy & procedure manual for home assessment, installation, and safety
• Templates for cost estimates, consent forms, and completion logs
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing trackers and supervision logs
• Client intake packet, modification agreements, and photo logs
• Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools
• Referral networking with case managers, OTs, and housing organizations

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — CALIFORNIA HOME MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER

We support contractors, home accessibility companies, and nonprofit agencies in launching compliant Home Modification Services under California’s Regional Center and Self-Determination systems.