California Disability Community Action Network          

IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES (IHSS) ISSUES

 IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES QUALITY ASSURANCE INITIATIVE
STAKEHOLDERS MEETING BY DEPT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
 
WHEN:    
JUNE 18, 2007 -  10:00 AM to 12:00 P.M.
 
LOCATION: 
DTS TRAINING CENTER
9323 TECH CENTER DRIVE, CONFERENCE ROOM 2
SACRAMENTO, CA 95826
Note: Parking is available in front of the building.
 
PURPOSE: 
THIS MEETING IS TO DISCUSS THE HOURLY TASK GUIDELINES POST-IMPLEMENTATION  FINDINGS UPDATE. 
 
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Persons who  need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability to attend this meeting or if  any meeting materials provided in an alternative format including Braille, large print, computer disk or tape cassette are needed; contact Petra Maldonado , Department of Social Services at (916) 229-3494 by June 11, 2007.
 
TOLL-FREE CALL IN LINE
* The toll-free call-in line will be emailed to persons who request it after June 1, 2007. 

RSVP FOR THE MEETING
Department of Social Services requests people to RSVP to Petra Maldonado (916) 229-3494 by  June 11, 2007. 
 

California Legislature - IHSS Related Bills

From the CDCAN Report #043-2007  March 28, 2007 - Wednesday
In Memory of Noel Neudeck - San Diego Advocate
To respond to this email, reply to: martyomoto@rcip.com   CDCAN website: www.cdcan.us

California Legislature
* Update on In-Home Supportive Services Related Bills
* Several Have Impact to People With Disabilities and Seniors
* No Action March 28th on SB 782 - Further Hearing To Be Set
* Bill Would Freeze State Participation Proposed by Governor
 

SACRAMENTO  -  The Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee, on Wednesday (March 28) took testimony but took no action on SB 782 by State Sen. Dave Cogdill which would implement the Governor's budget proposal freezing the State's participation (or level of funding) at the level it would be whenever the bill is passed and signed into law.  A further hearing on the bill - which is opposed by a wide range of union, disability and senior advocacy groups - will be scheduled. 

Listed below in this CDCAN Report are details on SB 782l and other bills introduced in the California Legislature - not including the Governor's proposed budget, that have some direct and immediate and in some cases indirect impact to children and adults with disabilities (including persons with developmental disabilities, mental health needs, traumatic brain and other injuries, MS, and other disorders and diseases), seniors who receive in-home supportive services (IHSS) or provide those services as IHSS workers (providers).  See separate CDCAN reports on other issues including special education, regional centers, emergency preparedness, Medi-Cal, seniors and aging programs and more. 

BUDGET HEARINGS ON IHSS ISSUES
As of March 28, the following hearings have been scheduled to review the Governor's budget proposals impacting In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) under the Department of Social Services budget: The public is allowed to provide brief and limited testimony during these hearings. 

April 11, 2007 (WED)
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 on HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
1:30 PM - State Capitol - room to be announced
Budget Items:
4300 (Department of Developmental Services - regional centers and developmental centers)
5180 (Department of Social Services - In Home Supportive Services)
note: The Senate budget subcommittee hearing on the Department of Developmental Services is 4/9 at 1 PM

April 19, 2007 (Thu)
SENATE BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #3 on HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
09:30 AM (or upon adjournment of Senate Floor session)
State Capitol - Room 4203
Budget Items:
5180 (Department of Social Services - In Home Supportive Services, Adult Protective Services, SSI/SSP and Community Care Licensing)

SUMMARY OF BILLS IMPACTING IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES (IHSS)
BIlls are listed in numeric order, with Assembly bills listed first, followed by Senate bills.  Actions are current as of March 28.

AB 182 - IHSS: STANDARDIZED TRAINING CURRICULUM & MATERIALS
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Ma (D)
CDCAN SUMMARY:    
Would require the California Department of Social Services, in consultation with counties and interested individuals and organizations (stakeholders) to develop a standardarized curriculum and materials, which shall be used by a nonprofit consortium contracting with the county or IHSS public authority in providing training for IHSS workers (providers) and persons receiving IHSS services (recipients).
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0151-0200/ab_182_bill_20070124_introduced.html
BACKGROUND:
The following organizations indicated support for this bill
 United Domestic Workers of America (sponsor of the bill), SEIU - United Long term Care Workers Union (co-sponsor of bill), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, California Alliance for Retired Americans, Gray Panthers California, National Association of Social Workers, Protection and Advocacy, Inc. (if bill is amended), Public Employees Union, Local 1
CDCAN COMMENT: One of at least 3 bills dealing with training (AB 182, AB 979 and AB 1386)
STATUS 03/27/07: PASSED (7-0) out of Assembly Human Services Committee with amendments and referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee [note: summary does not reflect amendments until officially approved in a few days]

AB 238 - IHSS: READING FOR THE BLIND
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Jim Beall (D)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
Would add reading assistance of financial and other documents to the required services available to persons who are blind or visually impaired and receive in-home supportive services.
* Would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0201-0250/ab_238_bill_20070131_introduced.html
CDCAN COMMENT:  Sponsored by the California Council of the Blind and supported by a wide range of disability, senior and union groups including California Association of Public Authorities for IHSS, California Disability Community Action Network, California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, United Domestic Workers of America, United Long Term Care Workers, Congress of California Seniors
STATUS 03/27/07: PASSED (5-1) out of Assembly Human Services Committee and referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee. 
CDCAN VOTE RECORD REPORT  - ASSEMBLY HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
ACTION 03/27/07: Do pass as amended and be referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee.
AYE Votes (5)
Democrats (5): Beall (Chair), Davis, DeSaulnier, Krekorian and Richardson
Republicans (0): -none-:
NO Votes (1)
Democrats (0): -none-
Republicans (1): Berryhill
NOT VOTING, Abstaining or Absent (1)
Democrats  (0): -none-
Republicans (1): Spitzer

AB 271 - ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: PUBLIC BENEFITS
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Cook (R)
CDCAN SUMMARY:    
Declares the Legislature's intent to enact legislation that would prohibit any person who resides in the state from receiving the same benefits and privileges as a person who resides legally in the state and would require proof of citizenship to receive any form of state-funded benefits.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0251-0300/ab_271_bill_20070209_introduced.html
STATUS 02/09/07: Introduced in Assembly [no other actions for this bill]

AB 459  - IHSS: BACKGROUND CHECKS
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Cook (R)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
* Would authorize the investigation of potential personnel by a IHSS nonprofit consortium or IHSS public authority to include criminal background checks conducted by the California Department of Justice, or by an investigative consumer reporting agency.
* Would authorize a consortium or authority to charge a fee to a provider, potential personnel, or a recipient to cover any related cost.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0451-0500/ab_459_bill_20070220_introduced.html
CDCAN COMMENT: One of  three bills dealing with background checks for IHSS workers (providers), AB 459, SB 692 & SB 868
STATUS 02/26/07: Referred to Assembly Human Services Committee.  [no other actions for this bill]

AB 836 - IHSS WORKERS: NOTICE REGARDING EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT   
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Karen Bass (D)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
Would require the State Controller, between January 1 and April 15 of each year, to include a notice on all payroll warrants issued to IHSS workers (providers) informing those providers that they may qualify for the federal earned income tax credit.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0801-0850/ab_836_bill_20070222_introduced.html
STATUS 03/27/07: PASSED (7-0) out of Assembly Human Services Committee and referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee.

AB 853 - HOME CARE SERVICES ACT OF 2007
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Dave Jones (D)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
* Would enact the "Home Care Services Act of 2007" and would provide for the licensure and regulation of home care organizations, as defined in the bill, by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
* Would state that Home care services covered in this bill  shall not include any of the following: services authorized to be provided by a licensed home health agency under Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 1725) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code, services authorized to be provided by a licensed hospice pursuant to Chapter 8.5 (commencing with Section 1745) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code. services authorized to be provided by a licensed health facility pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1250) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code, IHSS or  In-home supportive services provided pursuant to Article 7
(commencing with Section 12300) of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
* Nothing in this bill  shall be construed to prohibit an individual from employing a home care aide without the assistance of a home care organization.
* Would impose various licensure requirements on a home care organization and would also impose a civil penalty on an individual or entity that operates a home care organization without a license.
* Would require a home care organization to inform a client of certain things before arranging for the provision of home care services, as defined, to that client, including, but not limited to, the types and hours of available home care services and the extent to which payment may be expected from specified sources. In addition, the home care organization would be required to, among other things, distribute to the client its advance directive policy and provide a written notice to the client of certain rights.
* Would also prohibit a home care organization from hiring an individual as a home care aide unless that individual meets certain requirements, including, but not limited to, demonstrating that he or she has specified language skills.
* Would require a home care organization to conduct background clearances on home care aides, as specified, and to require home care aides to demonstrate they are free of active tuberculosis.
* Would also require a home care organization to conduct regular evaluations of its home care aides, as specified, and to ensure that home care aides demonstrate basic competency in certain areas. The bill would establish the Home Care Organization Fund, would authorize the department to impose various fees to be deposited in that fund, and would make a continuous appropriation from that fund to the department to carry out the provisions of the bill.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0851-0900/ab_853_bill_20070222_introduced.html
CDCAN COMMENT: Somewhat similar legislation was put forward last year by Assemblymember Montanez, AB 2536, which was vetoed by the Governor - though AB 853 is much more expansive
STATUS 02/22/07: Introduced in Assembly.  [no other actions for this bill]:     

AB 874 - HUMAN SERVICES: INCREASING CAPACITY
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Mike Davis (D)
CDCAN SUMMARY:    
Currently this bill has no substantive changes proposed and is a "spot bill" meaning it is holding the spot or bill number for details to come later as amendments to the bill. States the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation that would increase the state's capacity to provide human services, including welfare benefits.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0851-0900/ab_874_bill_20070222_introduced.html
STATUS 02/22/07: Introduced in Assembly [no other actions for this bill]     

AB 921 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES: HEARINGS
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Paul Krekorian (D)
CDCAN SUMMARY:    
* Would authorize a person who is dissatisfied with certain actions of the county welfare department to file a request for a hearing more than 90 days after the order or action complained of, if the claimant did not receive adequate notice or there is good cause for filing beyond 90 days.
* Would change existing State law and require the director to grant or deny a rehearing request no more than 60 working days after the receipt of the request. The bill would revise the rehearing procedures, including specifying the criteria pursuant to which rehearing would be granted, and the conditions under which new evidence may be presented at the rehearing.
* Would also require the department to adopt regulations to implement the above provisions, in consultation with representatives of claimants and counties.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0901-0950/ab_921_bill_20070222_introduced.html
BACKGROUND
* Existing State law authorizes an affected county or applicant or recipient, within 30 days after receiving the proposed decision of an administrative law judge adopted by the Director of Social Services, a final decision rendered by an administrative law judge or a decision issued by the director himself or herself, to file a request with the director for a rehearing.
* Current State law requires the director to grant or deny the request for rehearing between 5 and 15 working days after the receipt of the request.
STATUS: Set for hearing 04/10/.07 at 1:30 PM in Assembly Human Services Committee. 

AB 979 - IHSS WORKERS: FEDERAL FUNDING FOR TRAINING
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Curren Price (D)
CDCAN SUMMARY: 
Would require the California Department of Social Services to seek federal funding for IHSS worker (provider) training.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0951-1000/ab_979_bill_20070222_introduced.html
CDCAN COMMENT: One of at least 3 bills dealing with training (AB 182, AB 979 and AB 1386)
STATUS 03/15/07: Referred to Assembly Human Services Committee [no other actions for this bill]:

AB 1386 - IHSS: HEALTH RELATED APPOINTMENTS & TRAINING
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Curren Price (D)
CDCAN SUMMARY:    
* Would define the scope of accompaniment to a health related appointment of a person receiving IHSS services (recipient) by a IHSS worker (provider)
* Would require the Department of Social Services  to develop a standardized curriculum and training materials, and to provide statewide training, on the components of the medical accompaniment task.
* Would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_1351-1400/ab_1386_bill_20070223_introduced.html
CDCAN COMMENT: One of at least 3 bills dealing with training (AB 182, AB 979 and AB 1386)
STATUS 03/22/07: Referred to Assembly Human Services Committee [no other actions for this bill]   

AB 1421 - DISASTER EVACUATION REGISTRY: PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Lloyd Levine (D)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
Currently this bill has no substantive changes proposed and is a "spot bill" meaning it is holding the spot or bill number for details to come later as amendments to the bill.  States the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to create a registry of California residents with special needs for evacuation purposes in the event of a disaster.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_1401-1450/ab_1421_bill_20070223_introduced.html
CDCAN COMMENT: Has impact - depending on details - to people with disabilities and seniors and others who receive IHSS or are IHSS workers.  See other disaster preparedness legislation in a separate CDCAN report that relates to this bill.
STATUS 02/23/07: Introduced in Assembly.  [no other actions for this bill]:

AB 1434  - MEDI-CAL:  HOME HEALTH AGENCY SERVICES 
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Mervyn Dymally (D)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
Would require that the Department of Health Care Services implement a ratesetting (payment)  system, subject to federal approval and availability of federal funds,  that reflects the costs and services associated with quality home health agency services provided by home health agencies
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_1401-1450/ab_1434_bill_20070223_introduced.html
STATUS: Set for hearing 04/10/07 at 1:30 PM in Assembly Health Committee.

AB 1674  - IHSS PILOT PROJECT
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Laura Richardson (D)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
Would requires the Department of Social Services to conduct a pilot project in 5 counties (who apply), to give certain In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) recipients the choice of self-directing their care with an existing IHSS worker (provider), or using the support of a provider organization contracted by the county with the consent of the IHSS public authority.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_1651-1700/ab_1674_bill_20070223_introduced.html 
CDCAN COMMENT:  This bill is somewhat similar, at first glance (and without seeing details not yet in the bill), to the concept of workforce service center legislation proposed for workers providing supports and services for persons with developmental disabilities funded by the 21 non-profit regional centers.  The concept was proposed in legislation that failed in AB 649 by then Assemblymember Patricia Wiggins, and last year, with significant differences, in AB 2193 by Assemblymember Loni Hancock.  The concept of a pilot is similar to AB 652 by Assemblymember Levine (died in committee in 2005) and AB 477 by Assemblymember Baca (vetoed by Governor in October 2005) though the purpose of both those bills was to authorize some individuals, currently ineligible to receive IHSS, to purchase IHSS from participating counties. This bill - in current form - is about a pilot with people who are already eligible for IHSS. 
STATUS 03/26/07: Referred to Assembly Human Services Committee. [no other actions for this bill]

AB 1704 - IHSS   
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Doug La Malfa (R)
CDCAN SUMMARY:    
Currently this bill has no substantive changes proposed and is a "spot bill" meaning it is holding the spot or bill number for details to come later as amendments to the bill. Bill currently would make only minor changes in existing State law pertaining to the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_1701-1750/ab_1704_bill_20070223_introduced.html
STATUS 02/23/07: Introduced in Assembly.  [no other actions for this bill]:     

AJR 11 - IHSS: RENEWAL OF INDEPENDENCE PLUS WAIVER  
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Sandre Swanson (D)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
Encourages the Department of Social Services, the Department of Health Care Services, the Secretary of California Health and Human Services, and other appropriate state departments to work to ensure that the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Plus Waiver is renewed and protected, and would urge the federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services to renew the waiver.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0001-0050/ajr_11_bill_20070220_introduced.html
STATUS 03/01/07: Referred to Assembly Human Services Committee. [no other actions for this bill]:     

SB 269  - PUBLIC ASSISTANCE: HOME VISIT INVESTIGATIONS
AUTHOR: State Sen. Tom McClintock (R)
CDCAN SUMMARY: 
* Would amend existing State law relating to the CalWORKs (welfare) program, under which each county provides cash assistance and other benefits to qualified low-income families and individuals.
* Would require the county district attorney's office in the county of residence of an applicant for aid to arrange for an authorized investigator to conduct a home call, consisting of a brief interview with applicant and walk-through of the applicant's residence.
* Would require the district attorney's office to report its findings to the appropriate county officials prior to final approval of aid for the applicant.
* By increasing the duties of district attorneys and county public assistance agencies, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/sen/sb_0251-0300/sb_269_bill_20070215_introduced.html
CDCAN COMMENT: Persons who are eligible for CalWORKS are often parents with disabilities or have children with special needs (or both) and are also possibly eligible for other services including IHSS, regional center funded services, Medi-Cal. 
STATUS 03/13/07: Referred to Senate Human Services and Public Safety Committees. In Senate Human Services Committee. Set for hearing 03/27/07 - hearing for bill canceled at request of author.  [no other actions for this bill]   

SB 692 - IHSS: BACKGROUND CHECKS  
AUTHOR: State Sen. Roy Ashburn (R)
CDCAN SUMMARY:    
* Would authorize the investigation of certain potential IHSS personnel by a nonprofit consortium or public authority to include criminal background checks conducted by the California Department of Justice or, in certain circumstances, by an investigative consumer reporting agency, upon the request of the nonprofit consortium or public authority, and upon written authorization by the potential personnel.
* Would authorize a IHSS nonprofit consortium or a IHSS public authority to charge a fee to a IHSS worker (provider), potential personnel, or a person receiving IHSS services (recipient) to cover any cost related to administering requirements with respect to an investigation, or the costs to certain entities for processing a criminal background check, under these provisions.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/sen/sb_0651-0700/sb_692_bill_20070223_introduced.html
CDCAN COMMENT: One of  three bills dealing with background checks for IHSS workers (providers), AB 459, SB 692 & SB 868.
STATUS 03/08/07: Referred to Senate Public Safety Committee. [no other actions for this bill]:     

SB 782  - IHSS: FREEZE STATE PARTICIPATION (GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL)
AUTHOR: State Sen. Dave Cogdill (R)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
* Would eliminate the formula for state participation in provider wage and benefit increases.
* Would, instead, require, for the remainder of the 2006-07 fiscal year and any fiscal year thereafter, that the state participate in payment of the nonfederal share, as specified in this bill, in a total of In-Home Supportive Services worker wages and individual health benefits up to the level of wages and benefits approved for each county on or before the effective date of the bill.
* Would allow for increases in state participation, as necessary to accommodate increases in the state minimum wage, or upon appropriation of funds in the State Budget Act or other subsequent legislation for this purpose.
* Would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/postquery?bill_number=sb_782&sess=CUR&house=B&author=cogdill
  CDCAN COMMENT:
* This is the Governor's budget proposal (for budget year that begins July 1, 2007 and ends June 30, 2008) and sponsored by the Department of Social Services. 
* Originally the Department of Social Services thought it could impose the freeze without legislation and retroactive when the Governor first announced his budget plan on January 10.  Since then - and after two  CDCAN Townhall Telemeetings that included department officials, they announced that legislation would be introduced - and the freeze, if approved by the Legislature, would not be retroactive, but go into effect upon enactment of the bill.
* The bill differs from the Governor's original proposal also in that it would allow for increases as a result of increases in the state minimum wages. 
Following organizations opposed the bill: California Association of Public Authorities for IHSS, California Disability Community Action Network, California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, California State Association of Counties, Californians for Disability Rights Inc, County Welfare Directors Association of California, Older Women's League of California, Personal Assistance Services Council of Los Angeles County, SEIU Local 6434 -ULTCW (United Long Term Care Workers), United Domestic Workers of America, United Healthcare Workers, SEIU. 
STATUS 03/28/07: Testimony taken in Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee. Further hearing to be set.

SB 867 - IHSS: LONG TERM CARE INTEGRATION PILOT PROJECT
AUTHOR: State Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas (D)
CDCAN SUMMARY:    
* Would authorize a recipient who receives personal care and in-home services through a long-term care integration pilot project to select his or her own service provider, subject to program requirements.
* Would authorize a recipient who receives personal care and in-home services through Access for Infants and Mothers program (AIM), the Healthy Families Program, and the Major Risk Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP), or any publicly funded program enacted prior to or on or after January 1, 2008, to select his orher own service provider, subject to program requirements.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/sen/sb_0851-0900/sb_867_bill_20070223_introduced.html
BACKGROUND
Existing State law allows for the Long-Term Care Integration Pilot Program, to integrate the financing and administration of long-term care services in up to 5 pilot project sites in the state. This bill is somewhat similar in concept to previous legislation by Assemblymember Juan Vargas in 2005.
STATUS: In Senate Health Committee.  Set for hearing 04/11/07 at 1:30 PM.   

SB 868 - IHSS: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS
AUTHOR: State Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas (D)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
* Would authorize the investigation of potential personnel by nonprofit consortium or public authority to include criminal background checks conducted by the California Department of Justice or by an investigative consumer reporting agency upon the request of the nonprofit consortium or public authority.
* Would prohibits a fee from being charged. to a IHSS worker (provider), potential personnel, or a person receiving IHSS services (recipient) to cover any cost related to administering requirements with respect to an investigation, or the costs to certain entities for processing a criminal background check, under these provisions.
* Would provide that it is not to be construed to prohibit the California Department of Justice from assessing a fee to cover the cost of furnishing summary criminal history information pursuant to existing law.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/sen/sb_0851-0900/sb_868_bill_20070223_introduced.html
CDCAN COMMENT: One of  three bills dealing with background checks for IHSS workers (providers), AB 459, SB 692 & SB 868
STATUS 03/20/07:  Withdrawn from Senate Human Services Committee.  Re-referred to Senate Public Safety Committee.

SB 945 - IHSS: NOTICES OF ACTION
AUTHOR: State Sen. Alex  Padilla (D)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
* Would authorize an In-Home Supportive Services program recipient to allow their provider to be an advocate and authorized representative to receive notices of action to request hearings challenging actions.
* Would require a IHSS worker (provider) who has worked for a person receiving IHSS services (recipient) for 6 months or longer and who is not an authorized representative or advocate of the recipient, to be recognized as an expert witness regarding the recipient's individual needs during the hearing proceedings.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/sen/sb_0901-0950/sb_945_bill_20070223_introduced.html
BACKGROUND: In an IHSS action concerning the amount of services to be provided, existing law requires the California Department of Social Services to send the IHSS recipient a notice of action, in addition to other related documentation. If the IHSS  recipient is dissatisfied with the action in question, he or she, either in person or through an authorized representative, may request a hearing from the department.
STATUS 03/21/07: Set for hearing 03/27/07 In Senate Human Services Committee.  Hearing on bill canceled at request of author. 

IHSS QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM

April 21, 2006  IHSS  Stakeholder Meeting

• Discussion on proposed IHSS Hourly Guidelines  Audio

• The Proposed Regulations Dealing with IHSS Hourly Task Guidelines PDF file