The department shall, subject to the requirements of federal law, and not later than six months after the effective date of this section, develop a simple referral form to be used as proof of birth, in order to initiate Medi-Cal enrollment and the establishment of benefits for newborns who are eligible for one year of automatic continuous Medi-Cal eligible benefits pursuant to Section 1902(e)(4) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1396a(e)(4)). In developing the referral form, the department shall seek input from beneficiary representatives and health care providers serving pregnant women receiving, or eligible for, Medi-Cal benefits. The infant’s parent or guardian, or, with the knowledge and written consent of the infant’s parent or guardian, a health care provider or other hospital worker, may submit the referral form by mail or facsimile. Upon receipt of the form, the department shall, subject to the requirements of federal law, assign a Medi-Cal number to the newborn and issue a Medi-Cal card.

(Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 294, Sec. 58. Effective August 18, 1997.)