The regional center may vendor new work activity or supported employment programs, after determining the capacity of the program to deliver effective services, and assessing the ability of the program to comply with CARF requirements.
(a) Programs that receive the regional center’s approval to provide supported employment services shall receive rates in accordance with Section 4860.
(b) A new work activity program shall receive the statewide average rate, as determined by the department. As soon as the new work activity program has a historical period of not less than three months that is representative of the cost per consumer, as determined by the department, the department shall set the rate in accordance with Section 4859.
(c) The regional center may purchase services from new work activity programs and supported employment programs, even though the program in not yet accredited by CARF, if all of the following apply:
(1) The vendor can demonstrate that the program is in compliance with certification standards established by the Department of Rehabilitation, to allow a period for becoming CARF accredited.
(2) (A) The program commits, in writing, to apply for accreditation by CARF within three years of the approval to purchase services by the regional center.
(B) CARF shall accredit a program within four years after the program has been vendored.
(d) The regional center may approve or disapprove proposals submitted by new or existing vendors based on all of the following criteria to the extent that it is federally permissible:
(1) The need for a work activity or supported employment program.
(2) The capacity of the vendor to deliver work activity or supported employment services effectively.
(3) The ability of the vendor to comply with the requirements of this section.
(4) The ability of the vendor to achieve integrated paid work for consumers served in supported employment.
(Repealed and added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 226, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2004. Operative July 1, 2004, by Sec. 3 of Ch. 226.)