(

a) Notwithstanding whether a National Provider Identification (NPI) number is required by the rules issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services implementing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the department may require that an applicant or provider submit an NPI number. (

b) For transactions not specifically identified as covered transactions under the HIPAA NPI rules, the department may require that a provider use a National Provider Identification number on those transactions, or the department may issue the provider a unique identification number or numbers that shall be used on all transactions. (

c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the department may, without taking regulatory action pursuant to

Chapter 3.5 (commencing with

Section 11340) of Part of Division of Title of the Government Code, implement, interpret, or make specific this

section by means of a provider bulletin or similar instruction. The department shall notify and consult with interested parties and appropriate stakeholders in implementing, interpreting, or making specific this statute, including taking all of the following actions:

(1) Notifying provider representatives of the proposed action or change. The notice shall occur at least business days prior to the meeting provided for in paragraph (2).

(2) Scheduling at least one meeting with interested parties and appropriate stakeholders to discuss the action or change.

(3) Allowing for written input regarding the action or change.

(4) Providing at least days’ advance notice of the effective date of the action or change. (

d) This

section shall apply to any health care program administered by the department or its agents or contractors.