For drugs covered under this chapter requiring prior authorization, the department shall ensure the timely and efficient processing of authorization requests by doing all of the following:

(a) Providing a response by telephone or other means of telecommunication within 24 hours of the receipt of an authorization request.

(b) To the extent permitted by federal law, providing for the dispensing of at least a 72-hour supply of a covered drug in an emergency situation, as defined by federal regulation.

(Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 563, Sec. 2.)