(a) Utilization controls adopted by the department shall not include prior authorization for renal dialysis treatment provided to eligible recipients for the treatment of end stage renal disease.

(b) For purposes of this section, “end stage renal disease” is the same as defined in subdivision (d) of § 1794.02 of the Health and Safety Code.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of the Government Code, the department may implement this section by provider manual or similar notice without further regulatory action.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 321, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)