PERSONAL CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN CALIFORNIA

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 7, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jan 16

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

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

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

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

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 CoordinatorRequirements:

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

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

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

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

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.

Scope of Work: