North Bay Regional Center (NBRC) is committed to building strong partnerships with individuals and families and being responsive to each person’s unique and individualized service needs. Yet despite our best efforts, there may be a time when an applicant for, or a recipient of, services from NBRC disagrees with a decision we have made.
If that is the case, you may ask us to review our decision to make certain all information was considered. Most issues are resolved informally through the use of open discussions with your Service Coordinator or his/her supervisor. However, if the matter continues to be unresolved to your satisfaction, you may request to participate in the Fair Hearing Process. This may include an informal meeting, mediation, or a fair hearing.
A standard information packet specific to the appeal process, as well as numerous new forms, are available in multiple languages on the Department of Developmental Services’s website for the Lanterman Act appeal process. The website continues to be updated with additional languages and material: https://www.dds.ca.gov/general/appeals-complaints-comments/fair-hearings-complaint-process.
Effective March 1, 2023, per Welfare Institutions Code 4701(a)(7) and (b) and 4710.5(d), all appeal requests are to be sent to the Department of Developmental Services. Prior to March 1, 2023, these requests were sent to the regional center. Appeal requests can be submitted several ways: via the online form linked in the above paragraph, sent by email to appealrequest@dds.ca.gov, faxed to 916-654-3641, or mailed to:
Office of Community Appeals and Resolutions
Department of Developmental Services
1215 O Street MS 8-20
Sacramento, CA 95814
