If someone you love receives services through a regional center, speaking up about a problem can feel complicated. A provider may not be following the plan, or a right your family member holds under the law may be overlooked, and the first hurdle is often figuring out which complaint path applies. Beginning February 1, 2027, the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) plans to replace today's separate complaint paths with one statewide grievance process. Until then, the current process still applies, and DDS is hosting a free webinar on Thursday, November 12, 2026, to explain the change.
Why the process is changing
The change grows out of a federal rule. In 2024 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized the Medicaid Access Rule, which requires states to give people who receive home and community-based services a clear way to file grievances and receive a response. The DDS grievance process proposal describes how California plans to meet that requirement by combining three existing paths: Section 4731 individual rights complaints, citizen complaints and general complaints.
What the new process is designed to do
Based on what DDS has shared so far, a grievance could be filed about a regional center, a service provider or contractor, or a state-operated facility. Concerns may involve individual rights, person-centered planning, service quality, or the requirements for home and community-based settings.
One place to file
Grievances would be filed with DDS, which would track each one. DDS would then assign the grievance to the regional center involved, generally within five days.
Clear timelines
The regional center would investigate and provide a response and proposed resolution within 60 days. DDS would review certain resolutions and use what it learns to spot patterns at individual regional centers and across the state.
More protection for people who speak up
DDS has said the new procedures will include added protections for the people who file. For families who worry that raising a concern could make things harder for their loved one, that matters. Details may still change before February, so check the DDS website for the final version.
What is not changing
Some processes remain separate. Disagreements about eligibility, or about the type or amount of services a regional center offers, still go through the Lanterman Act appeal and fair hearing process. Whistleblower complaints also keep their existing route, including the option to file anonymously.
What to do if you have a concern now
Through January 31, 2027, individual rights complaints follow the current process described on the DDS consumer rights complaint page. You can submit the Section 4731 complaint form (DS 255) or a signed and dated letter to the director of your regional center. The director has 20 working days to investigate and send a written proposed resolution. If you are not satisfied, you can refer the complaint to the DDS Director within 15 working days, and DDS issues a written decision within 45 days. Each regional center also has a Clients' Rights Advocate who can help you understand your options and file a complaint.
Learn more before February
DDS is hosting a free informational webinar on the new grievance procedure on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Zoom. The session will cover what is changing on February 1 and what is staying the same. Registration details are on the DDS events calendar. DDS is also accepting questions and input by email at grievance.process.input@dds.ca.gov.
How Get Care at Home fits in
Get Care at Home is a non-medical home care agency serving Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks and the Greater Sacramento area. We are vendored with Alta California Regional Center to provide in-home respite and personal assistance, so many of the families we work with rely on regional center services every day. We are a care provider, not a legal or advocacy service. For help with a rights complaint or appeal, your regional center's Clients' Rights Advocate is the right place to start. What we offer is dependable, everyday support at home, from respite for family caregivers to help with daily routines. You can learn more about our in-home care services, or read how non-medical home care differs from home health care.
If you would like to talk through what support could look like for your family, we invite you to request a free care assessment.
