CA AB649

Removes the requirement that regional centers determine an appeal of a service denial "does not have merit" before purchasing medical or dental services for consumers aged 3 and older.

Specifies that consumers or families are not required to appeal denials from agencies with legal responsibility to serve the general public and receiving public funding in order for regional centers to purchase those services.

Retains existing prohibitions on regional centers purchasing services available through Medi-Cal, Medicare, private insurance, or health care service plans when consumers choose not to pursue that coverage.

Allows regional centers to pay for medical or dental services while coverage is being pursued before a denial is made, or until services begin under other coverage sources.