(a) The Legislature finds and declares that implementation of Part IV of the federal Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-123) affects eligibility for Title IV-E federal financial participation for certain placement settings available to children and youth in foster care in California.

(b) On or before October 1, 2021, the State Department of Social Services shall clarify the conditions under which Title IV-E federal financial participation is available for each AFDC-FC eligible placement enumerated in Section 11402.

(c) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the department may implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters or similar written instructions from the department until regulations are adopted. These all-county letters or similar written instructions shall have the same force and effect as regulations until the adoption of regulations.

(d) The State Department of Health Care Services may provide guidance on whether federal financial participation is available for Medi-Cal services that intersect with the implementation of Part IV of the federal Family First Prevention Services Act. Medi-Cal services shall only be claimed to the extent that any necessary federal approvals are obtained and medical assistance federal financial participation is available and is not otherwise jeopardized. Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the State Department of Health Care Services may implement, interpret, or make specific portions this act affecting the provision of Medi-Cal services by means of plan or all-county letters, information notices, plan or provider bulletins, or other similar instructions, without taking any further regulatory action.

(e) The State Department of Health Care Services may submit a Medicaid state plan amendment, waiver request, or both, in order to maximize federal financial participation in implementing this section. The State Department of Health Care Services may, in submitting a Medicaid state plan amendment or waiver request, consult with the State Department of Social Services, the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California, and the County Welfare Directors Association of California.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 86, Sec. 37. (AB 153) Effective July 16, 2021.)