(a) (1) By July 1, 2016, or a subsequent date determined by the department, Genetically Handicapped Persons Program (GHPP) requests for authorization of services, excluding requests for authorization of services submitted by dental providers enrolled in the Medi-Cal Dental program, shall be submitted in an electronic format determined by the department and shall be submitted via the department’s Internet Web site or other electronic means designated by the department. The department may implement this requirement in phases.

(2) The department shall designate an alternate format for submitting requests for authorization of services when the department’s Internet Web site or other electronic means designated in paragraph (1) are unavailable due to a system disruption.

(b) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may, without taking regulatory action, implement, interpret, or make specific this section and any applicable waivers and state plan amendments by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions. Thereafter, the department shall adopt regulations by July 1, 2017, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The department shall consult with interested parties and appropriate stakeholders in implementing this section.

(Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 849, Sec. 2. (SB 1457) Effective January 1, 2015.)