(b) (1) A long-term health care facility participating as a provider under the Medi-Cal program shall provide aid, care, service, and other benefits available under Medi-Cal to Medi-Cal beneficiaries in the same manner, by the same methods, and at the same scope, level, and quality as provided to the general public, regardless of payment source. This subdivision applies to, but is not limited to, admission practices, room selection and placements except as specified in subdivisions (a) and (c) of Section 14124.7, and meal provision.
(2) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that this subdivision does not constitute a change in law and policy, but is declaratory of existing law and the Medi-Cal Provider Agreement and therefore the requirements imposed by this subdivision shall not be considered a new state mandate for the purposes of reimbursement pursuant to Article 3.8 (commencing with Section 14126) of this chapter or any other Medi-Cal ratesetting provisions of any law, regulation, or the California Medicaid State Plan.
(3) In the event of a final judicial determination made by any state or federal court that is not appealed, or by a court of appellate jurisdiction that is not further appealed, in any action by any party or a final determination by the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, that reimbursement by the Medi-Cal program to long-term health care facilities for costs associated with this section is required by state or federal law or regulation, this subdivision shall become operative only upon appropriation by the Legislature.
