14191. (Added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 220.)

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no payment for care or services shall be made under Medi-Cal to the attending physician under this chapter for the costs of any voluntary nonemergency sterilization unless the treatment authorization request is accompanied by the documents evidencing informed consent required by regulations of the department. In the event that the department does not require a treatment authorization request, such documents evidencing informed consent shall accompany the billing of the attending physician. The department shall promulgate regulations under this article and shall adopt a standard informed consent form in English and Spanish which is readily understandable to Medi-Cal beneficiaries for use by health providers performing voluntary nonemergency sterilizations. The failure of the attending physician performing the sterilization to fulfill his obligations under this section shall not be construed as requiring the department to deny or withhold reimbursement under Medi-Cal to other providers participating in the sterilization.