HOW TO BECOME A VENDOR

Vendorization is the process for identification, selection, and utilization of service providers based on the qualifications and other requirements necessary in order to provide the services. The vendorization process allows regional centers to verify, prior to the provision of services to consumers, that an applicant meets all of the requirements and standards specified in regulations. Applicants who meet the specified requirements and standards are assigned a service code and an unique vendor identification number.

Service providers are vendored by the regional center in whose catchment area the service is located, known as the vendoring regional center. The vendoring regional center is responsible for ensuring that the applicant meets licensing and Title 17 requirements for vendorization, determining the appropriate vendor category for the service to be provided, and approving or disapproving vendorization based upon their review of the documentation submitted by the applicant.

To become a vendor, a Vendor Application (Form DS 1890), must be submitted along with the documentation specified in Title 17, Section 54310. Once a potential service provider has obtained all necessary licenses, submitted a complete application and all necessary documentation to the vendoring regional center, the regional center has 45 days to approve or disapprove vendorization. Once vendored, the service provider may be utilized by other regional centers, known as "user" or "utilizing" regional centers, as well as the vendoring regional center. The vendor identification number assigned by the vendoring regional center must be used by all regional centers purchasing the vendored service.

Although a regional center must vendor an applicant who meets all the requirements for the service to be provided, vendorization in no way obligates that regional center to purchase service from that vendor.

Residential

Residential services are defined as some type of housing, other than the individual’s parental home, usually designed for persons with similar needs in terms of age and ability. The residential services should provide:

• A home environment with supervision and training as needed.
• Living experiences appropriate to the functioning level and age of the individual.
• Be located within the mainstream of the community.
• Provide access to necessary support programs.

Each residential facility should be part of a total learning program, rather than merely a place which provides room and board.

Persons or entitiesinterested in providing residential services in a Community Care Licensed Facility (CCF) must:
1. Have a minimum of 6 months full time equivalent experience working with persons with developmental disabilities AND
2. Complete the Residential Services Specialist course OR
3. Be eligible to be a QMRP and have one year full time experience OR
4. Have a related Master’s Degree
5. Become a licensed Community Care Facility with the State of California
6. Submit a Vendor Application and Program Design.

For more information about becoming a Residential Service Provider contact Wanda Bardwell at 858-576-2966

For information about becoming a vendor to provide services other than residential, contact Community Services at 858-576-2966 to be directed to the appropriate Resource Coordinator.

Overview

4355 Ruffin Rd., Suite 200
San Diego, CA, 92123
phone: (858) 576-2996
fax: (858) 576-2873