(a) The Legislature finds and declares that there is a need to establish a standard set of guidelines that governs the provision of managed Medi-Cal specialty mental health services at the local level, consistent with federal law.

(b) Therefore, in order to ensure quality and continuity, and to efficiently utilize mental health services under the Medi-Cal program, there shall be developed mental health plans for the provision of those services that are consistent with guidelines established by the department. The guidelines shall be consistent with federal Medicaid requirements and the approved Medicaid state plan and waivers to ensure full and timely federal reimbursement to mental health plans for services that are rendered and reimbursed consistent with federal Medicaid requirements.

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(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that mental health plans be developed and implemented regardless of whether other systems of Medi-Cal managed care are implemented.

(d) It is further the intent of the Legislature that Sections 14681 to 14685, inclusive, shall not be construed to mandate the participation of counties in Medi-Cal managed mental health care plans.

(e) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2012.

(Amended (as added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 651, Sec. 10) by Stats. 2012, Ch. 34, Sec. 236. (SB 1009) Effective June 27, 2012. Section operative July 1, 2012, by its own provisions.)