Welfare & Institutions Code (WIC) sections 4681.6, 4648.4(b), 4681.5, 4684.55, 4689.8, 4691.6, and 4691.9 authorize the Department to approve waivers to rate freezes for the purpose of mitigating health or safety (HS) risks to individuals. Requests for approval of a HS Waiver will be considered only on the basis of the needs of an individual.
The Department is committed to processing HS Waiver requests in a timely manner. When seeking a HS Waiver, regional centers should submit the request to the Department as soon as possible. The following documentation must be submitted in the request:
- A complete and accurate written request signed by the regional center Executive Director justifying the need for a rate increase to protect the individual’s health or safety. The regional center must thoroughly review information provided by a vendor, to support the request, prior to submitting to the Department.
- A completed HS Worksheet.
- A copy of vendor’s original request to regional center.
- Any additional documents, as outlined on page two of the directive on HS Waivers.
Last modified: June 19, 2025
