(a) The Legislature finds and declares both of the following:

1. (1) Direct service professionals are critical to the provision of services and supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
2. (2) In recognition of the value of the services provided by direct service professionals, additional training and development will enhance the services they provide and foster a more sustainable workforce.

(b)

1. (1) With input from stakeholders pursuant to subdivision (c), the department shall develop or utilize existing curriculum to implement enhanced direct service professional training that promotes services that are person centered and culturally and linguistically sensitive, and that improve outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
2. (2) It is the intent of the Legislature to enhance the quality of services that consumers receive from their direct service professionals, including, but not limited to, improving direct service professional knowledge about general health and safety issues, employing principles of self-determination in order to promote dignity of the recipient and the provider, and working to improve quality of services and quality of life, including advancing health equity for consumers of regional center services.

3. (3) The training described in paragraph (1) in shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following elements:

   1. (A) Competency based.
   2. (B) Tiered training and certification.
   3. (C) Continuing education.
   4. (D) Outcome measures, as defined by the department, with input from stakeholders pursuant to subdivision (c).

(c)

1. (1) The department shall consult with stakeholders throughout the implementation of this section. This consultation shall include facilitation of a process for providing input and comments on implementation.

2. (2) Stakeholders may include, but are not limited to, the following:

   1. (A) Consumers and families across different geographic regions of the state and from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, diverse consumer age groups and disabilities.
   2. (B) Regional center representatives.
   3. (C) Service providers representing a diverse range of service types and models.