Last week, I posted about new legislation that would affect breast pump
providers for Medi-Cal. My medical biller did some investigation, and the
implications of this new law are even worse than I realized. Also, I
misunderstood some of it.

First, it is the state (Dept. of Health Svs, Division of Food, Drug and
Radiation Safety), and not Medi-Cal, that has enacted this law. DME has been
transferred to them from the Dept of Consumer Affairs, Board of Pharmacy.
Apparently this legislation was buried in legislation concerning a fire-arms
buy-back from youth program, which is why almost no one knew about it until
now.  I received notification because I am registered with the state for
Medi-Cal. Secondly, it is about health and safety, not fraud.

It sounds like this will ultimately apply to *EVERY* DME provider in
California, including every small breast pump business-- we will be
*licensed*. This means rentals for sure, and possibly retail. (wording: "...
added non-prescription medical device retailers to the licensing
requirements.....") Theoretically, each one of us will be required to pay
$850 annually to cover the cost of our license and inspecting our
businesses.

You can read the text of the new law at: www.leginfo.ca.gov.  Select
Assembly bills for the 1999-2000 session, then search for AB1496.  Questions
go to: (916) 445-2263; select MDRLS voice mail box.

Lisa Marasco MA IBCLC
Expressly Yours Lactation Services
Santa Maria, CA

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