(a) The department shall keep the California Children’s Services (CCS) program abreast of advances in medical science, leading to the inclusion of other handicapping conditions and services within the limits of and consistent with the most beneficial use of funds appropriated for this purpose. With the approval of the agency administrator the department may carry out pilot studies to determine the need for, or the feasibility of, including other handicapping conditions and services in the program within the limits of available funds appropriated for the program.
(b) To the extent that any changes in CCS medical eligibility are proposed by the department, there shall be a stakeholder process that shall include both of the following:
(1) A draft of the proposed regulatory changes shall be shared publicly at least 120 days prior to the filing of a regulatory change. The proposed changes shall also be shared with the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature and posted publicly on the department’s Internet Web site.
(2) The department shall utilize existing stakeholder committees to receive input and comments on any proposed changes and shall provide written comments back after input is provided. This input may be provided to all stakeholders, including, but not limited to, advocates, clinical experts, associations, county CCS program administrators, families, and CCS providers.
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 625, Sec. 2. (SB 586) Effective January 1, 2017.)