(a) No treatment authorization request shall be required for the provision of prosthetic devices or for the replacement or repair of prosthetic devices, if the cost does not exceed five hundred dollars ($500).

(b) No treatment authorization request shall be required for the provision of orthotic devices or for the replacement or repair of orthotic devices, if the cost does not exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250).

(c) The department shall implement subdivisions (a) and (b) commencing March 1, 1994.

(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (c), the department shall implement subdivisions (a) and (b) only if one of the following occurs:

(1) The report required by Section 14132.76 contains a conclusion that the pilot demonstration program required by that section was cost-effective.

(2) The report required by Section 14132.76 is not submitted to the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 31, 1993.

(d) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) and (b), the director may reinstate the requirement for prior authorization if the director determines that the elimination of the requirement results in unnecessary utilization, after notice to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee 30 days prior to the reinstatement of the requirement for prior authorization.

(Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 460, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)