(a) The department may require enrollees and subscribers to participate in a plan’s grievance process for up to 30 days before pursuing a grievance through the department or the independent medical review system. However, the department may not impose this waiting period for expedited review cases covered by subdivision (b) of Section 1368.01 or in any other case where the department determines that an earlier review is warranted.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the department may refer any grievance issue that does not pertain to compliance with this chapter to the State Department of Health Services, the California Department of Aging, the federal Health Care Financing Administration, or any other appropriate governmental entity for investigation and resolution.
(c) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2001, and then only if Assembly Bill 55 of the 1999–2000 Regular Session is enacted.