(a) The provision of services to beneficiaries eligible for medical assistance benefits may be subject to utilization controls, as provided for in Section 50793 of Title 22 of the California Administrative Code as the section existed on January 1, 1984, when the director finds that the utilization controls are necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Where the director determines that a recipient has been abusing drugs or services, the recipient may, in order to prevent his or her abuse, be placed on utilization controls for a maximum period of two years, which may be extended for an additional period upon a determination by the director that the potential for abuse still exists after notice and hearing, as set forth in subdivisions (f) and (g).
(c) If the director determines that a recipient has violated utilization controls placed upon that recipient pursuant to subdivision (b), the director may provide that the recipient shall receive medical assistance benefits referred, ordered, or prescribed through only one primary care provider of services for a maximum period of two years, which may be extended for an additional period upon a determination by the director that the potential for abuse still exists after notice and hearing, as set forth in subdivisions (f) and (g). The director shall afford the beneficiary an opportunity to nominate a primary care provider for department consideration. Circumvention of beneficiary utilization controls includes, but is not limited to, the following acts:
(1) Altering restricted Medi-Cal identification cards.
(2) Obtaining temporary nonrestricted cards.
(3) Establishing an additional nonrestricted eligibility status.
(d) If a recipient is convicted of any misdemeanor or felony involving fraud or abuse either of medical assistance benefits or services, or in connection with any public assistance program, the director may restrict the recipient’s eligibility for medical assistance benefits for a maximum period of two years, which may be extended for an additional period upon a determination by the director that the potential for fraud or abuse still exists and upon giving notice to the recipient setting forth the facts upon which the determination is made. The record of conviction or a certified copy thereof, certified by the clerk of the court in which the conviction is had, shall be conclusive evidence of the fact that the conviction occurred. A plea or verdict of guilty, or a conviction following a plea of nolo contendere, is deemed to be a conviction within the meaning of this section. The restriction shall not take effect earlier than the date of the director’s order. Restriction following a conviction is not subject to the proceedings required in subdivision (g).
(e) Where the director determines that a recipient deliberately abuses or misuses program benefits, the director may provide that the recipient shall receive medical assistance benefits referred, ordered, or prescribed through only one primary care provider of services for a maximum period of two years, which may be extended for an additional period upon a determination by the director that a potential for abuse still exists after notice and hearing as set forth in subdivisions (f) and (g). Deliberate abuse or misuse of program benefits includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) Forging prescriptions.
(2) Sale or lending of Medi-Cal identification cards.
(3) Collusion with providers for services or supplies.
(f) A recipient who commits a violation of subdivision (b), (c), or (e) shall be notified of the impending restriction, the reasons for the restriction and be provided an opportunity for a fair hearing.
(g) A recipient who commits a violation of subdivision (b), (c), or (e) is subject to restriction of fee for service Medi-Cal assistance benefits. The proceedings for restriction shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 10950) of Part 2, or any rule or regulation promulgated by the director pursuant to this section.
(h) The imposition of restrictions, pursuant to this section, with respect to the eligibility of any individual shall not affect the eligibility of any other person for medical assistance benefits under this program, regardless of the relationship between that individual and the other person.
(i) This section shall not apply in any instance where a bona fide emergency exists which requires immediate treatment.
(Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 425, Sec. 4.)