It is the intent of the Legislature that children’s hospitals need not contract under the provisions of this article until October 31, 1984. Services provided by these hospitals prior to November 1, 1984, shall be reimbursed according to the state plan in effect on January 1, 1984. Children’s hospitals are defined as those hospitals where 30 percent of the infants and children served by the single institution qualify for Medi-Cal payment systems and the institution serves primarily children.

If a children’s hospital

elects to contract pursuant to this article in the 1982–83 or 1983–84 fiscal year, the negotiator shall give consideration to the special services provided in this hospital, including those services provided to children. The California Medical Assistance Commission shall continue to extend this consideration to these hospitals following the 1983–84 fiscal year.