(a) Notwithstanding any other law, for dates of service on or after January 1, 2024, the department shall adopt a rate year based on the calendar year for nursing facilities providing level A services in accordance with Sections 51120 and 51510 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, and intermediate care facilities that are licensed pursuant to subdivision (d) of § 1250 of the Health and Safety Code.

(b) In implementing this section, the department shall seek any federal approvals it deems necessary. This section shall be implemented only to the extent that any necessary federal approvals are obtained and federal financial participation is available and is not otherwise jeopardized.

(c) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement this section, in whole or in part, by means of provider bulletins or other similar instructions, without taking regulatory action.

(Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 42, Sec. 136. (AB 118) Effective July 10, 2023.)