Each client of regional center services, or any representative acting on behalf of any client who believes that any right to which the client is entitled has been abused, punitively withheld, or improperly or unreasonably denied by a regional center, development center, or service provider may pursue a complaint.

The complaint shall be to the Executive Director at the regional center from which the client receives case management services.

The Executive Director shall, within 20 working days of receiving a complaint, investigate the complaint and send a written proposed resolution to the complainant.

If the complainant is not satisfied with the action taken or proposed by the Executive Director, the complainant may, within 15 working days, refer the complaint to the Director of the State Department of Developmental Services.

The Director of the State Department of Developmental Services shall, within 45 days of receiving a complain, issue a written administrative decision and send a copy of the decision to the complainant.