CA AB835

Expands the Workforce and Quality Incentive Program to allow any skilled nursing facility provider serving Medi-Cal managed care enrollees to earn performance-based directed payments, removing the previous requirement that providers be within the managed care plan's network

Requires directed payments under the program to be retroactively calculated and paid based on total service days to Medi-Cal beneficiaries effective July 9, 2024, regardless of whether the facility was a network provider at that time

Maintains the program's aggregate funding targets, including $280 million for calendar year 2023 with annual increases through 2026, subject to legislative appropriation

Continues exemptions from the directed payment program for freestanding pediatric subacute care facilities and special program services for the mentally disordered

Implementation remains contingent on obtaining necessary federal approvals and maintaining federal financial participation