Regional Center Vendored Facilities - Consultation FAQ for 2026 Changes
This guide answers common questions about consultation in residential facilities and how consultants can support facilities as they prepare for the 2026 requirement.
1. Who Pays for Consultants?
Unlike some medical or behavioral health services covered by insurance or the Regional Center, facilities are responsible for paying consultants out of pocket. This is a facility-funded requirement, and homes should plan ahead for this cost.
Many homes are considering updating their Program Designs to upgrade to a higher service level to take advantage of the increased rate and offset the added costs of consultation requirements.
2. What does a consultant do for a residential facility?
There are different types of consultants, including RNs, behaviorists, and Psychiatrists. A behaviorist is a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) and can provide consultation to help staff effectively support residents' behavior, communication, and daily living skills (ADLs). This includes:
- Helping staff manage challenging behaviors using evidence-based strategies
- Supporting ADL skill-building, such as hygiene, dressing, and meal preparation
- Training staff on reinforcement, de-escalation, and structured routines
- Assisting with documentation and reporting to track progress more effectively
3. When does my facility need consultants?
Depending on the current service level of your facility, consultant hours for your residents will be required by December 31, 2025. Find out if and how many consultant hours your residents may need by clicking this link: 2026 Changes with Consultation Hours. Many homes are already planning ahead in 2025 to ensure a smooth transition. Starting early allows staff to adjust gradually, ensures better behavior plans, and prevents a last-minute rush.
4. So, my facility needs a consultant…now what?
Once you’ve identified what type of consultant(s) your facility needs, you’ll need to update your program design with the Regional Center. You’ll need to do an addendum to add consultants.
In order to add the addendum, you’ll need to select which specific consultants you are going to work with, and attach to the program design. Most Regional Centers require the facility’s program design to have a specific consultant on record. You can change your consultants on record later, of course, but you’ll need a specific one on record for the addendum.
Your consultant will need to provide you with the following to submit to the Regional Center with your addendum:
Copy of relevant assessment tools to the consultant’s services
Sample report the consultant will complete for the annual and quarterly meetings
Progress tracking method (data sheets, notes)
Consultant logs (the facility may keep their own, or the consultant can provide them monthly)
Copy of their liability insurance
Copy of their resume
Copy of their degree/certification
5. Does the consultant need to be a Regional Center vendor?
No. Consultants need to meet criteria to be vendored, but do NOT need to be vendored. Learn more here: https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/17-CCR-56040, and here: https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/17-CCR-54342.
6. How can a behaviorist consultant support facilities with quarterly reports?
Behaviorists can help home administrators and staff organize quarterly reports by:
- Providing structured templates for tracking behaviors and ADL progress
- Analyzing trends in resident progress and recommending adjustments
- Assisting with incident documentation to ensure clear, accurate reporting
By integrating behaviorist support early, homes can simplify reporting and improve the quality of documentation.
7. Will the behaviorist work directly with residents?
No, behaviorist consultation focuses on staff training and program development rather than direct intervention. The goal is to equip facility staff with strategies they can implement daily. Behaviorists provide training, review data, offer guidance, and ensure staff feel confident in their roles.
8. What should facilities discuss in 2025 quarterly meetings to prepare for consultant requirements in 2026?
To systematically prepare for consultation hours next year, consider adding the following to your 2025 quarterly meetings:
- Identifying residents who may need additional behavior or ADL support
- Discussing staff training needs related to de-escalation and reinforcement
- Reviewing behavior incidents and considering proactive strategies
- Planning how to integrate behaviorist support into your existing routines
We have a planning guide for facilities to start planning their consultant needs. Find it HERE
9. How do we get started with behaviorist consultation?
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for these changes. Take action now by:
Contacting your regional center to complete the rate reform Attachment A.
Consider updating your facility program design to increase your service level for a higher monthly rate to assist with the cost of adding consultants to your facility budget.
Engaging consultants who can directly support and train staff to meet new expectations.
Reviewing and updating resident plans to align with consultant support and program goals.
By starting early, you’ll not only ensure compliance but also improve outcomes for your residents and position your facility as a leader in quality care.
Ready to plan for the upcoming changes for your facility?
Contact us today to learn how Burgos Behavior's online data systems and expert training can support your facility and staff.
You can call or text us at 209-457-7154, email us at chelsea@burgosbehavior.com, or book a time to talk by clicking below:
