The department may hire any staff needed for the implementation of this division. The department may also use the contract with the Medi-Cal fiscal intermediary or contract with another public or private entity to implement or administer the program and to enroll Medicare beneficiaries who are eligible to participate in the program, to collect rebates, and to pay claims, only if services provided under this program are specifically identified and reimbursed in a manner that does not claim federal financial reimbursement. For purposes of this division, use of the Medi-Cal program fiscal intermediary shall be exempt from Part 2 (commencing with Section 10100) of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code. This division shall not be implemented unless and until the director executes a declaration, which shall be retained by the director, stating that all federal approvals necessary for implementation of this division have been received.

(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 542, Sec. 13. Effective January 1, 2003.)