If there is a delay in the implementation of this article for any reason, including a delay in any required approval of the quality assurance fee and reimbursement methodology specified by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, both of the following shall apply:

(a) An emergency medical transport provider subject to the fee may be assessed the amount the provider would be required to pay to the department if the add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule described in Section 14129.3 were already approved, but shall not be required to pay the fee until the add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule described in Section 14129.3 is approved. The director shall establish a schedule for payment of retroactive fees pursuant to this subdivision in consultation with emergency medical transport providers to minimize the disruption to the cashflow of emergency medical transport providers.

(b) The department may retroactively implement the add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule pursuant to Section 14129.3 to the extent the department determines that federal financial participation is available and is not otherwise jeopardized.

(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 773, Sec. 2. (SB 523) Effective October 13, 2017. Conditionally inoperative as prescribed in Section 14129.7. Repealed conditionally as provided in Section 14129.7.)