CA SB471

Establishes the Office of the Developmental Services Ombudsperson as an independent entity within the State Department of Developmental Services, replacing the former Office of the Self-Determination Program Ombudsperson

The Ombudsperson is appointed by the Director of Developmental Services for a 4-year term and is responsible for monitoring services under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, the Self-Determination Program, and the California Early Intervention Services Act

The office receives and investigates complaints from individuals served by regional centers, provides training and technical assistance, and recommends systemic changes to improve the developmental services system

The Ombudsperson and staff cannot be compelled to testify or produce records in judicial or administrative proceedings, and all complaint information remains confidential under state and federal law

Declared an urgency statute taking immediate effect, citing recent reports of abuse at Los Angeles group homes serving adults with autism as justification for immediate implementation