CA AB438

Expresses legislative intent to enact reforms to the Medi-Cal treatment authorization request (TAR) process administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, based on recommendations in Bureau of State Audits report number 2009-112.

Aims to improve and streamline the TAR process, which currently requires advance approval by a department consultant based on medical necessity determinations before services are rendered.

Modifies utilization controls under the Medi-Cal program to make the TAR approval process more efficient for qualified low-income persons receiving health care services.