California DDS moves forward with LOIS platform

California’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is moving forward with a statewide effort to modernize how data, reporting, and vendorization are managed. The work centers on the Life Outcomes Improvement System (LOIS), a cloud-based platform designed to replace legacy systems and unify information across DDS and regional centers.

In late November 2025, DDS released a Request for Information (RFI) to gather input on technologies for LOIS. This step signals a formal procurement process expected in 2026. LOIS is intended to become the backbone for core statewide functions, including case management, finance, reporting, and analytics. As DDS transitions from legacy tools to a unified system, providers should anticipate new data standards, reporting expectations, and compliance requirements tied to reimbursement.

Vendorization becomes more standardized statewide

Alongside LOIS planning, DDS is implementing a standardized approach to vendorization. On December 2, 2025, DDS hosted a statewide Town Hall that introduced a standardized vendorization process and demonstrated the new Provider Directory. Beginning December 3, 2025, regional centers started rolling out the Provider Directory. This directory will become the centralized system for vendorization submissions and tracking.

DDS’s approach aims to reduce regional variation in vendorization. At the same time, it increases consistency and transparency across the state. Information entered into the Provider Directory will also feed into future systems, including LOIS, and may connect to quality and billing oversight.

What to focus on now

DDS’s LOIS and Provider Directory workstream is expected to influence how providers manage documentation, data, and reporting across programs. Key near-term priorities include:

• Reviewing the new vendorization process and understanding how the Provider Directory will affect approvals and renewals.

• Beginning to align internal data, documentation, and reporting workflows to meet standardized statewide requirements.

• Monitoring DDS communications for the forthcoming LOIS Request for Proposal (RFP) and implementation timelines.

This initiative represents one of the most significant system changes DDS has undertaken in decades. As LOIS moves from planning into implementation, early preparation can help providers stay compliant and reduce administrative disruption.