Section 14133.07.

(a) Prior authorization for podiatric services provided on an outpatient or inpatient basis shall not be required when all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The services are provided by a doctor of podiatric medicine acting within the scope of his or her practice.

(2) The services are related to trauma, infection management, pain control, wound management, diabetic foot care, or limb salvage.

(3) The services are medically necessary.

(4) An urgent or emergency need for services exists at the time the service is provided.

(5) The patient was referred to the doctor of podiatric medicine by a physician.

(6) Prior authorization is not required for a physician providing the same service.

(b) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all county letters, provider bulletins, or similar instructions.

(c) This section shall become operative October 1, 2006.

(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 74, Sec. 68. Effective July 12, 2006. Section operative October 1, 2006, by its own provisions.)