(a) Notwithstanding Section 14105.22, the department shall not seek to retroactively implement the reductions and limitations to the reimbursement for clinical laboratory or laboratory services set forth in Section 14105.22 for dates of service from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, inclusive. The payment reductions implemented pursuant to Section 14105.192 shall continue to apply for clinical laboratory or laboratory services.

(b) The department shall not seek to recoup any overpayments for clinical laboratory or laboratory services resulting from the reductions and limitations to the reimbursement for clinical laboratory or laboratory services pursuant to Section 14105.22 for dates of service from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, inclusive. Any overpayments for clinical laboratory or laboratory services resulting from the reductions implemented pursuant to Section 14105.192 shall continue to be recouped.

Terms Used In California Welfare and Institutions Code 14105.222

(c) For dates of service from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, inclusive, the department shall establish the reimbursement rates for clinical laboratory or laboratory services at the rates in effect and approved in the Medi-Cal State Plan as of December 31, 2019.

(d) For dates of services on or after July 1, 2022, the department shall establish the reimbursement rates for clinical laboratory or laboratory services pursuant to Section 14105.22.

(e) Notwithstanding 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 notices, policy letters, or other similar instructions, without taking any further regulatory action.

(f) The department shall implement this section in a manner that is consistent with federal Medicaid law and regulations. The department shall seek any necessary federal approvals for the implementation of this section. This section shall be implemented only to the extent that federal approvals are obtained and federal financial participation is available and is not otherwise jeopardized.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 143, Sec. 377. (AB 133) Effective July 27, 2021.)