Plain English Breakdown
The official text confirms the age trigger applies to both the primary caregiver and authorized representatives, not just the caregiver alone.
AB-2209: Rules for Planning Caregiver Changes
This law adds new times when families must talk about future care plans and requires those plans to be written in the consumer's official service document.
What This Bill Does
- Requires a discussion about caregiver succession when the primary caregiver or authorized representative turns 55 years old.
- Allows discussions at any time if requested by the consumer, primary caregiver, or authorized representative.
- Mandates that any created caregiver succession plan be written into the Individual Program Plan (IPP).
- States clearly that a consumer can choose not to create a caregiver succession plan.
- Requires all discussions and plans to focus on the consumer's wishes, goals, maximum independence, and supported decisionmaking principles.
Who It Names or Affects
- Individuals with developmental disabilities who receive services from regional centers.
- Primary caregivers or authorized representatives of these individuals.
- Regional center planning teams that create Individual Program Plans (IPPs).
Terms To Know
- Caregiver succession
- Planning for who will provide care if the current caregiver can no longer do so.
- Individual Program Plan (IPP)
- A written document that lists the services and supports a person with developmental disabilities receives.
- Regional center
- An agency contracted by the state to arrange services for people with developmental disabilities.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill does not specify what happens if a caregiver refuses to discuss succession.
- It is unclear how often discussions must happen after age 55 unless requested or deemed necessary by the team.
- Supported decisionmaking principles apply only 'to the extent applicable'.