The director shall employ sufficient consultants to assure compliance with the provisions of this code and the regulations, and the protection of the best interests of the state, and no county shall employ such consultants. However, if the director finds that it is not reasonable in specific cases to transfer to state employment a consultant employed by a county and that the consultant function is being performed according to statewide standards, he may authorize the county to continue to provide that particular consultant service.
As used in this section, a “consultant” means a person who reviews the procedures, charges and services of providers under this chapter, and who grants prior authorizations to providers.