Medi-Cal benefits: violence prevention services.

Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services and under which qualified low-income individuals receive health care services. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid program provisions. Existing law establishes a schedule of benefits under the Medi-Cal program, including various mental health services. Existing federal law authorizes, at the option of the state, preventive services, as defined, that are recommended by a physician or other licensed practitioner of the healing arts. This bill would add violence prevention services, as defined, as a covered benefit under Medi-Cal, subject to medical necessity and utilization controls. The bill would authorize the department to implement, interpret, or make specific that provision by means of all-county letters, plan letters, or plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions until regulations are adopted. The bill would limit its implementation only to the extent that any necessary federal approvals are obtained and federal financial participation is not otherwise jeopardized. The bill would require the department to post on its internet website the date upon which violence prevention services may be provided and billed.