COMMUNITY-BASED RESIDENTIAL SERVICES PROVIDER IN CALIFORNIA

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 7
3 min read

CREATING SAFE, INCLUSIVE, AND INDIVIDUALIZED LIVING ENVIRONMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Community-Based Residential Services in California offer 24-hour support in small, home-like settings for individuals with developmental disabilities who need ongoing supervision, skill-building, or behavioral support. These services are funded and authorized by Regional Centers under the Lanterman Act and delivered in compliance with Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) standards.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Role: Provides oversight for residential services and contracts with Regional Centers for service coordination

Agency: California Department of Social Services (CDSS) – Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD)

Role: Licenses residential facilities (e.g., Adult Residential Facilities) and enforces Title 22 regulations

Agency: Regional Centers (21 nonprofit centers statewide)

Role: Authorize services through Individual Program Plans (IPPs), approve vendors, and monitor quality

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures federal compliance with HCBS requirements under Medicaid

2. COMMUNITY-BASED RESIDENTIAL SERVICE OVERVIEW

Community-Based Residential Services offer individualized supports in licensed homes—typically housing 4 or fewer individuals—to help them live as independently as possible while receiving necessary care, supervision, and life skills training.

Approved providers may deliver:

24-hour supervision and health/safety support
Personal care assistance (ADLs and IADLs)
Medication administration (per licensure guidelines)
Community integration and recreation
Implementation of ISP goals and behavioral supports
Coordination of medical, dental, and mental health appointments
Daily documentation of services and progress

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 a Community Care Facility (CCF) license from CDSS – CCLD (e.g., Adult Residential Facility [ARF])
Complete vendorization with a Regional Center using the appropriate Service Code (e.g., 915 for ARFs)
Secure fire clearance and ensure facility zoning compliance
Hire qualified staff and obtain Administrator Certification from CDSS
Maintain general liability, property, and worker’s comp insurance

4. REGIONAL CENTER VENDORIZATION PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-Vendorization Meeting

Contact your Regional Center’s Community Services Department and request a vendor application for residential services

Step 2: Program Design Development

Submit detailed service and staffing plan, house routines, emergency protocols, and quality assurance systems

Step 3: CDSS Licensing Approval

Apply for and obtain a Community Care License, including inspection, background checks, and facility approval

Step 4: Vendorization Approval

Sign vendor agreement and receive Regional Center referrals for individuals authorized through their IPPs

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Fictitious Business Name (FBN)
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
CDSS Community Care License (e.g., ARF)
Fire safety clearance
Regional Center vendor approval
Policy & procedure manual including:
- House rules, client intake, and discharge criteria
- Medication administration logs and health tracking forms
- Staff schedules, job descriptions, and supervision records
- Emergency and safety procedures
- ISP goal implementation and progress logs
- Participant rights, confidentiality, and grievance policies
- Incident reporting and monthly service summaries

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Administrator

Requirements: CDSS-approved administrator certification, minimum education and experience per Title 22

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Requirements:

DSP I and DSP II certification within one year of hire
CPR/First Aid certification
TB clearance and Live Scan fingerprinting
Completion of required orientation and in-service training

Training Requirements for All Staff:

ISP implementation and person-centered support
Medication administration (as authorized)
Abuse prevention and mandated reporter training
HIPAA/confidentiality and emergency preparedness
Annual CEUs and in-service refreshers per licensing standards

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Community-Based Residential Services are reimbursed under:

HCBS Waiver for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Regional Center Services under the Lanterman Act
State Plan Medi-Cal (for dual diagnosis and behavioral health needs)

Approved providers may deliver:

24-hour supervision and care in a licensed home setting
Skill-building activities aligned with the IPP
Behavioral interventions and healthcare coordination
Structured support for personal growth, safety, and integration

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: CDSS Community Care Licensing

Timeline: 90–120 days

Phase: Regional Center Vendorization

Timeline: 45–90 days

Phase: Facility Setup, Staffing, and Program Approval

Timeline: 30–60 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Email: info@dds.ca.gov

Website: https://www.dds.ca.gov

California Department of Social Services – Community Care Licensing (CCLD)

Website: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing

Find Your Regional Center:

Website: https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/lookup

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY-BASED RESIDENTIAL SERVICES PROVIDER

We guide providers through every stage of launching Community-Based Residential Services in California, including licensing, vendorization, program design, and long-term compliance.

Scope of Work: