If there is a delay in the implementation of this article for any reason, including a delay in any required approval of the quality assurance fee and reimbursement methodology specified by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, both of the following shall apply:
- (a) An emergency medical transport provider subject to the fee may be assessed the amount the provider would be required to pay to the department if the add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule described in Section 14129.3 were already approved, but shall not be required to pay the fee until the add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule described in Section 14129.3 is approved. The director shall establish a schedule for payment of retroactive fees pursuant to this subdivision in consultation with emergency medical transport providers to minimize the disruption to the cashflow of emergency medical transport providers.
- (b) The department may retroactively implement the add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule pursuant to Section 14129.3 to the extent the department determines that federal financial participation is available and is not otherwise jeopardized.