Vendorization

Are you interested in becoming a provider for North Bay Regional Center? If  the answer is yes, you will need to complete an application and go through a process referred to as “vendorization”.  Service providers are vendored by the regional center in whose region (known as catchment area) the service is located, and that regional center is known as the “vendoring regional center.” The vendoring regional center is responsible for ensuring that the applicant meets the licensing and Title 17 requirements for vendorization, determining the appropriate vendor category for the service, and authorizing or not authorizing vendorization based upon review of the documentation submitted by the applicant.

The vendorization process is for identification, selection and utilization of service providers based on their qualifications and other requirements. This process allows regional centers to verify, prior to the provision of services to clients, that the applicant meets all the requirements and standards specified in the regulations.  Applicants who meet the specified requirements and standards are assigned a service code and a unique vendor identification number.  Although a regional center must vendor an applicant who meets all the requirements for the service to be provided, vendorization in no way obligates a regional center to make referrals to or purchase services from that vendor.

Once the application is submitted with the required forms, licenses and certificates, NBRC has 45 days from receipt of the application to determine whether the applicant meets the requirements of Title 17.  The vendorization process is explained on the State of California Developmental Services webpage.

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) sets rates for the services provided by vendors.  For a list of those services and rates click here (1-7-21 Link pending update).

Vendorization Requirements Residential Facilities

Individuals seeking to have a residential care home vendored with NBRC must meet all Title 17 requirements as well as comply with NBRC policies to obtain vendor status.  All applicants must also be in compliance with Title 22 Regulations.  The following are the basic requirements for vendorization, please note that potential vendors and applicants will be expected to meet all requirements of the regulatory agencies with which they are licensed under.

• Per title 17, Section 56005, prospective providers must notify NBRC in writing their intention to establish an approved level 2 or 3 home.  This letter must include a statement of the administrator’s qualifications as stated in Section 56037.

• The proposed home must have a valid residential care home Community Care License issued through the Department of Social services.

• If the proposed home is an ICF, a letter of support indicating need for additional facilities will be forwarded to the Department of Health Services and Department of Developmental Services if there is a service need for this type of home.

• The license must be appropriate for the age and category group the applicant proposes to serve.  Residential Foster Care Licenses are accepted.

• The certified administrator must have direct supervision and care experience with individuals who are developmentally disabled as specified by Title 17.  Individuals seeking to develop homes serving children and/or serve as an administrator of a home serving children must demonstrate knowledge of and experience with special needs children.  Employer verification of experience is required.

• The proposed administrator must successfully complete the NBRC Residential Provider Orientation prior to vendorization.  This course is offered twice per year in November and May.

• Program designs submitted must meet Title 17 regulations and NBRC standards for approval.  Only level 2 or 3 homes will be approved without a “Request for Proposal” award.

• Transportation- To assure a community access in a typical manner, vendored residential care homes must have a private vehicle available that can be used for the daily transport of residents to an from their work or day program, medical appointments, as well as community and recreational activities.  This vehicle needs to be available in case of emergencies as well.  The program design must include a statement describing this service and give assurances that transportation will be available.

• Proof of a $1,000,000 (one million dollar) professional liability insurance policy is required with the vendor application prior to vendorization, per NBRC business policy.

• Prospective applicants must complete a vendor application packet for approval.  The submitted packet must include all required documentation including verification of direct care experience, if not previously submitted, copy of all applicable license’s, and insurances.  Copies of incorporation status must also be submitted.

Specialized Level Four Residential Development

NBRC develops all level four homes through the targeted procurement process in which NBRC identifies the need for new specialized level 4 homes in Napa, Solano or Sonoma Counties.  NBRC issues a “Request for Proposal” (RFP) to all vendors and public at large to respond to the development need.  Only those individuals selected to open a specific level four home through this process are awarded the opportunity to develop a level four home.

All vendored, licensed residential care homes are developed to serve four or fewer residents with a preference for private rooms.  All NBRC vendored homes are for the exclusive use of individuals with developmental disabilities.  NBRC is unable to guarantee referrals or placements to any vendored residential homes.

Specialized Experience Requirements

In accordance with Title 17 regulations, NBRC vendors and monitors residential homes that are specifically developed for children, adults and the elderly who have developmental disabilities.  NBRC closely adheres to the regulations governing residential care homes.  Prospective providers must meet the minimum “direct supervision and special services” experience requirement with the developmentally disabled specified by Title 17.  (See title 17-Division 2, Chapter 3:  Community Services, Chapter4:  Residential Services and Quality Assurance Regulations, Section 56037.)

• Experience is typically obtained through employment in residential care homes or day/work/special education school programs with people with developmental disabilities.  There are many opportunities for work in these settings.  Employment or training in the medical field, mental health, or human/social services will not be substituted for direct care experience.

• Documentation of direct care experience must verify the equivalent of forty hours a week for the number of months specified by Title 17 for the level of home the applicant proposes to open.  All work experience must be verifiable through employment records.  Volunteer or undocumented experiences may not be substituted for paid experience.  NBRC considers direct supervision experience to be essential for realistic goals and expectations in creating a home environment that will enhance the lives of each of the residents.