(a) The department shall eliminate the Medi-Cal reimbursement differential for obstetrical services by equalizing the rates of reimbursement for Caesarean section and non-Caesarean section care and delivery services. In implementing this section, savings that otherwise would have accrued due to lowered rates of reimbursement for Caesarean section services shall be used to fund across-the-board rate increases for all maternity care and delivery services.
(b) Revisions to the existing rate structure required to implement this section shall be adopted as emergency regulations in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The adoption of these regulations shall be deemed an emergency and necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, or general welfare. Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, emergency regulations adopted to implement this act shall not be subject to the review and approval of the Office of Administrative Law. These regulations shall become effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.
(Repealed and added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 348, Sec. 2.)