Section 1368.01.

(a)  The grievance system shall require the plan to resolve grievances within 30 days.

(b)  The grievance system shall include a requirement for expedited plan review of grievances for cases involving an imminent and serious threat to the health of the patient, including, but not limited to, severe pain, potential loss of life, limb, or major bodily function. When the plan has notice of a case requiring expedited review, the grievance system shall require the plan to immediately inform enrollees and subscribers in writing of their right to notify the department of the grievance. The grievance system shall also require the plan to provide enrollees, subscribers, and the department with a written statement on the disposition or pending status of the grievance no later than three days from receipt of the grievance. Paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 1368 shall not apply to grievances handled pursuant to this section.

(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 796, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)