(a) The department shall assess and determine whether it would be cost efficient for the state to exercise the option made available under Section 1915(k) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396n(k)). When performing this assessment, the department shall collaborate and consult with the State Department of Social Services, the State Department of Developmental Services, the California Department of Aging, and any other state agency that the department believes can assist in its determination whether it would be cost efficient for the state to exercise this option. If the department determines that it would be cost efficient for the state to exercise the federal option, it shall seek a Medi-Cal State Plan amendment to provide home- and community-based attendant services and supports that include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and health-related tasks pursuant to Section 1915(k) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396n(k)).

(b) If the department determines that it would be cost efficient to exercise the option made available under Section 1915(k) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396n(k)), the department shall establish a development and implementation council that shall include, as a majority of its members, persons with disabilities and elderly individuals, and their representatives. The department shall consult and collaborate with the council when developing and implementing a Medi-Cal State Plan amendment to exercise this option.

(c) Services and supports pursuant to this section may be rendered under the administrative direction of other state departments in accordance with the Medi-Cal State Plan amendment and subject to the department’s authority as the designated single state agency for the administration or supervision of the administration of the Medi-Cal program.

(d) (1) Notwithstanding the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) the department, and any other state department pursuant to subdivision (c), may implement this section through all-county letters or similar instructions from the director, until regulations are adopted.

(2) The department, and any other state department rendering services and supports pursuant to subdivision (c), shall adopt emergency regulations implementing this section within 24 months from the date federal approval pursuant to this section is received. The adoption of regulations implementing this section shall be deemed an emergency and necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or general welfare. The emergency regulations authorized by this section shall be exempt from review and approval by the Office of Administrative Law. Any emergency regulations authorized by this section shall be submitted to the Office of Administrative Law for filing with the Secretary of State and shall remain in effect for no more than 18 months by which time final regulations shall be adopted.

(Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 8, Sec. 36. (SB 72) Effective March 24, 2011.)