It is the intent of the Legislature that the department implement and monitor compliance with the time and distance requirements set forth in Sections 438.68, 438.206, and 438.207 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations and this section, to ensure that all Medi-Cal managed care covered services are available and accessible to enrollees of Medi-Cal managed care plans in a timely manner, as those standards were enacted in May 2016. Commencing January 1, 2018, for covered benefits under its contract, as applicable, a Medi-Cal managed care plan shall maintain a network of providers that are located within the specified time and distance standards for the specified services.