(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, and to the extent funds are appropriated in the annual Budget Act for this purpose, the department may provide a rate increase for the purpose of enhancing wages for direct care staff in day programs and in work activity programs, as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 4851, and in look-alike programs, that meet any of the following criteria:
(1) Provide a majority of their services and supports in integrated community settings.
(2) Are day programs that are converting to integrated community settings.
(3) Are work activity programs that are converting to supported work programs.
(b) The department may approve a temporary rate increase for a program that is converting pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (a). A program shall not be eligible for a permanent rate increase pursuant to this section unless it meets the criteria established in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a).
(c) A rate increase provided pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) to existing programs shall be effective not more than 60 days following the adoption of the Budget Act that appropriates the necessary funding.
(d) Prior to implementation of this section, the department shall consult with stakeholders, including various provider organizations, the regional centers, and all other interested parties.
(e) The department shall provide the Legislature, by April 1, 2007, with a description of how this section has been implemented, along with the following information:
(1) The number of day programs and work activity centers receiving an enhanced rate, by regional center.
(2) The number of program conversions, by regional center.
(3) The percentage of rate increase provided to programs.
(4) The effect of the rate increase on direct care staff wages.
(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 74, Sec. 55. Effective July 12, 2006.)