(a) This chapter does not affect the continued authority of the State Departments of Developmental Services and State Hospitals over educational programs for individuals not eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.) nor shall it affect the overall responsibility of the state hospitals and developmental centers for the care, treatment, and safety of individuals with exceptional needs under their control. The state hospitals and developmental centers shall continue to render appropriate and necessary developmental services, health related services, psychiatric services, and related services assigned to the state hospitals and developmental centers in the local written agreements, as part of their responsibilities for the care and treatment of state hospital and developmental center residents.

(b) For purposes of this section, “health-related services” shall include services provided by physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, audiologists, registered nurses, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychiatric technicians, rehabilitation therapists, and speech language pathologists, and shall be the responsibility of the state hospital or developmental center if the individual with exceptional needs requires these services while in the community program.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 44, Sec. 3. (AB 121) Effective July 10, 2023.)