SUPPORTING DAILY INDEPENDENCE THROUGH ONE-ON-ONE ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in California provide essential, non-medical support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who require help with daily living tasks. These services are authorized through California’s Regional Center system under the Lanterman Act, and in some cases through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. PAS is tailored to promote independence and quality of life in home and community settings.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Role: Provides oversight and policy guidance for PAS under the Lanterman Act

Agency: Regional Centers (21 statewide)
Role: Authorize, coordinate, and monitor PAS for eligible consumers based on the Individual Program Plan (IPP)

Agency: California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
Role: Administers Medi-Cal funding for eligible services under waiver programs

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Ensures HCBS services meet federal person-centered and community-based care standards

2. PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Personal Assistance Services are hands-on supports provided to individuals who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). The goal is to promote autonomy while addressing safety and support needs in the least restrictive environment.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting
• Meal preparation and feeding support
• Light housekeeping, laundry, and home organization
• Medication reminders (non-administration)
• Mobility, transferring, and ambulation support
• Help accessing and participating in community activities
• Documentation of services provided and progress toward IPP goals

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3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the California Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Apply to become a Vendor with a California Regional Center for Personal Assistance (Service Code 062)
• Submit a detailed Program Design describing service delivery, staff qualifications, and client engagement
• Carry general liability and workers’ comp insurance
• Conduct fingerprinting and background checks (Live Scan) for all staff
• Establish HIPAA-compliant documentation and supervision systems

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4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business and obtain an NPI
Step 2: Contact your target Regional Center and request the Vendor Application Packet for Service Code 062
Step 3: Submit your Program Design, required forms, insurance documentation, and staff resumes
Step 4: Complete vendor orientation, staff screenings, and final Regional Center approval
Step 5: Begin accepting referrals based on authorized IPP services

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5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or proof of business registration
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Regional Center vendor approval
• Staff background clearances and CPR/First Aid certifications

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Intake procedures and IPP service alignment
• Daily documentation and timesheet protocols
• Participant rights and HIPAA compliance
• Emergency response and incident reporting
• Staff orientation, supervision, and training logs
• Abuse prevention and reporting protocols
• Grievance and resolution procedures

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6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Personal Assistant / Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• CPR/First Aid certification and fingerprint clearance (Live Scan)
• Experience supporting individuals with disabilities preferred
• Strong communication and documentation skills

Role: Supervisor / Program Coordinator
Requirements:

• Background in home- or community-based services
• Responsible for quality assurance, scheduling, and staff support

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• ADL/IADL assistance techniques
• HIPAA and participant privacy
• Abuse prevention and mandated reporting
• Incident documentation and emergency response
• Person-centered service delivery aligned with the IPP

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7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Personal Assistance Services may be funded through:

• California Regional Centers under the Lanterman Act (primary funding source)
• HCBS Waiver Services (for eligible Medi-Cal recipients through DDS)
• Self-Determination Program (SDP) (when selected in participant’s individual budget)

Approved providers may deliver:

• One-on-one ADL/IADL support
• Community integration and participation assistance
• Flexible schedules and support intensity based on IPP
• Documented daily service logs for auditing and compliance

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8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Regional Center Vendorization
Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Training
Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Service Activation and Referral Onboarding
Timeline: Ongoing

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9. CONTACT INFORMATION

California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Phone: (916) 654-1690
Website: https://www.dds.ca.gov

California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
Phone: (800) 541-5555
Website: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov

List of Regional Centers:
Website: https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/listings

10. SCOPE OF WORK 

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• Vendor application and Program Design for Service Code 062
• Policy & procedure manual for daily assistance, supervision, and documentation
• Templates for intake forms, ADL logs, incident reports, and service notes
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing trackers and Live Scan clearance tools
• Client intake packet, consent forms, and emergency contacts
• Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools
• Referral networking with Regional Centers, families, and support teams

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

We help caregiving professionals and human service providers establish vendor-compliant PAS programs for individuals served by California’s Regional Centers.