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The QIP Stakeholder Workgroup helped determine areas of focus for the QIP, those areas are below: Prevention and Wellness, Employment, Early Intervention, Workforce Capacity, Service Access, and Informed Choice and Satisfaction.

Each focus area has one or more quality measure(s) tied to specific desired outcomes, with corresponding performance targets and incentives

Rate reform in California’s developmental services system means changing the way the state pays for services. The goal of rate reform is to make sure that the payment system is fair, supports providing high-quality care, and that it helps people get the services they need. For more information about Rate Reform, please visit the Rate Reform Full Implementation Overview directive.

Quality Incentive Program (QIP) Overview

The QIP is designed to improve individual outcomes, service provider performance, and the quality of services. Service providers who participate in QIP are eligible for incentive payments when their performance meets or exceeds quality measures developed by DDS with input from stakeholders.

For more information about the Quality Incentive Program (QIP), please see the Quality Incentive Program correspondence.

Directive

Quality Incentive Program – Provider Eligibility and Compliance for Fiscal Year 2026-27

QIP Resources

Prevention and Wellness

The desired outcome of this quality measure is for individuals in residential facilities to receive preventative health services at medically recommended frequencies.
Currently the following residential service types are eligible to participate in the quality measure:

Quality Incentive Rate (subject to Rate Reform)

  • Adult Residential Facilities for Persons with Special Health Needs (ARFPSHN)
  • Family Home Agency (FHA)
  • Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) (service codes 113, 905 and 915)
  • Residential Facility serving Adults (Owner or Staff Operated)
  • Residential Facility serving Children (Owner or Staff Operated)

One-Time Incentive (not subject to Rate Reform)

  • Enhanced Behavioral Supports Homes (EBSH)
  • Group Home for Children with Special Healthcare Needs (GHCSHN)
  • Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) (service codes 096 and 114)

Directive

FY 2026-27 Data Collection Resources

For questions about the Prevention and Wellness quality measure, please email: QIPQuestions@dds.ca.gov

Employment Access and Capacity

The desired outcome is that individuals who want CIE are employed.

Directive
Quality Incentive Program – Employment Measure for Fiscal Year 2026-27
Quality Incentive Program – Provider Eligibility and Compliance for Fiscal Year 2026-27

FY 2026-27 Data Collection Resources

Consumer Satisfaction with CIE

  • The desired outcome is that individuals are satisfied with their employment supports and CIE placement.

For questions about the Employment Access, Capacity, or Consumer Satisfaction quality measures, please email: QIPQuestions@dds.ca.gov

Early Intervention Services for Children and Families

The desired outcome is that children and families receive timely access to Early Intervention services.

For questions about the Early Intervention quality measure, please email: QIPQuestions@dds.ca.gov

Direct Service Professional (DSP) Turnover Rate

The desired outcome is that individuals are satisfied by the continuity of their Direct Service Professional (DSP).

Direct Service Professional (DSP) Average Tenure

The desired outcome is that individuals are satisfied by the continuity of their Direct Service Professional (DSP).

For more information about Direct Support Professional (DSP) Data Collection, please click here.

For questions about Workforce Capacity quality measures, please email: QIPQuestions@dds.ca.gov

Direct Service Professional (DSP) Vacancy Rate

The desired outcome is that individuals have timely access to services.

Direct Service Professional (DSP) Language Fluency

The desired outcome is that individuals and their families (where applicable) are supported by staff who communicate in individuals’ preferred language.

For questions about Service Access quality measures, please email: QIPQuestions@dds.ca.gov

Individual and Family Satisfaction

The desired outcome is that individuals and families are satisfied with the services and supports they receive; such as how they spend their time, choices about their life decisions, and where they live.

Provider Capacity
The desired outcome of this measure is to collect data which will be used to enhance the Provider Directory, which is the database of service providers operating across California. Additionally, the data collected on provider capacity will be used to support a deeper understanding of services and service providers in California and to identify areas of need, which will inform policy and resource development to support service providers. The data will also be used to assist in planning future reporting and quality measures as part of the QIP.

Directive
Quality Incentive Program – Provider Capacity Measure for Fiscal Year 2026-27

Quality Incentive Program – Provider Eligibility and Compliance for Fiscal Year 2026-27

FY 2026-27 Data Collection Resources

Provider Directory

For the latest information about the Provider Directory, please click here.

For questions about the Provider Directory, please email: ProviderDirectory@dds.ca.gov.

Prevention and Wellness

Directives

Employment

Directives

Early Intervention

Directives

Resources

Service Access & Workforce Capacity

Directives


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Last modified: October 31, 2025