(a) It is the intent of the Legislature to transfer to the State Department of Health Care Services, no later than July 1, 2012, the administration of the Drug Medi-Cal program from the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs. It is further the intent of the Legislature that this transfer should happen efficiently and effectively, with no unintended interruptions in service delivery. This transfer is intended to do all of the following:
(1) Improve access to alcohol and drug treatment services, including a focus on recovery and rehabilitation services.
(2) More effectively integrate the financing of services, including the receipt of federal funds.
(3) Improve state accountability and outcomes.
(4) Provide focused, high-level leadership for behavioral health services.
(b) Effective July 1, 2012, the administrative functions for the Drug Medi-Cal program that were previously performed by the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs are transferred to the department.
(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), the department and the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs may conduct transition activities prior to July 1, 2012, that are necessary to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of Drug Medi-Cal program functions by that date in accordance with the transition plan described in Section 14021.31.
(d) After July 1, 2012, and through the quarter ending June 30, 2014, the department shall provide quarterly updates to the Legislature, key stakeholders, and the public on the steps foreseen, planned, and completed for the Drug Medi-Cal transfer, noting areas of concern, delay, or disruption, as the program fully transitions to the State Department of Health Care Services. These updates shall include information on continuity of care for beneficiaries and any access issues to care that arise as a result of or within the Drug Medi-Cal transfer. The State Department of Health Care Services shall convene meetings with interested stakeholders, including legislative representatives, either in preparation for or at the release of these quarterly updates. The first of these quarterly updates shall be released no later than October 1, 2012.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 36, Sec. 73. (SB 1014) Effective June 27, 2012. Operative July 1, 2012, by Sec. 83 of Ch. 36.)