(a) A workers’ compensation insurer, third-party administrator, or other entity that requires, or pursuant to regulation requires, a treating physician to obtain either utilization review or prior authorization in order to diagnose or treat injuries or diseases compensable under this article, shall ensure the availability of those services from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pacific standard time of each normal business day.

(b) For purposes of this article, “normal business day” does not include Saturday, Sunday, or any day that is declared by the Governor to be an official state holiday or a holiday listed on the Department of Human Resources internet website.

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(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 647, Sec. 4. (SB 537) Effective January 1, 2020.)