(

a) The Office of the Developmental Services Ombudsperson shall be established as an independent and autonomous entity within the department for the purpose of monitoring the implementation of this division, including, but not limited to, both of the following:

(1) The Self-Determination Program, as established in

Section 4685.8.

(2) The California Early Intervention Services Act (Title 14 (commencing with

Section 95000) of the Government Code) as it pertains to infants and toddlers applying to or eligible for early intervention services under

Section of the Government Code.

(3) The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act pursuant to Division 4.1 (commencing with

Section 4400), Division 4.5 (commencing with

Section 4500), and Division 4.7 (commencing with

Section 4900), and the California Early Intervention Services Act pursuant to Title 14 (commencing with

Section 95000) of the Government Code. (

b) The office shall be responsible for receiving and resolving complaints, conducting investigations, suggesting systematic changes, and resolving various issues that may include, but are not limited to, inquiries, questions, or requests for information, assistance, or facilitation in navigating service access. (

c) The Office of the Developmental Services Ombudsperson shall be headed by an individual, to be known as the Developmental Services Ombudsperson. (

d) For purposes of this chapter, “individuals served by a regional center” includes all of the following:

(1) Individuals who receive services through a regional center under this division, including individuals who are in the intake process, are pending assessment, or have reached out to regional centers for information about eligibility.

(2) Individuals who are participating in the early start program under Title 14 (commencing with

Section 95000) of the Government Code, including individuals who are in the intake process, pending assessment, or have reached out to regional centers for information about eligibility.

(3) Individuals who are determined to be eligible for regional center services under this division, but are not receiving services from a regional center. (

e) Pursuant to subdivision (

a) of

Section 9717, the Office of the Developmental Services Ombudsperson shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman within the California Department of Aging to coordinate the provision of ombudsperson services for regional center clients residing in long-term care facilities.