(a) The provisions of this section shall not apply to nor limit payment of costs of care in the cases of emergency hospital admissions when the costs of care are subject to payment as medical assistance. However, in cases of emergency admissions of persons who have been determined to be eligible for medical assistance, the hospital shall give the five days' notice required by subdivision (d) of section 505.4 of this Subchapter.

(b) Emergency hospital care which may be provided without the specific prior authorization of the public welfare official shall be limited to those instances in which immediate admission is essential. Notification shall be given to the public welfare official within five days, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays excepted. Payment from public funds after such notification is subject to acceptance of liability by the public welfare official.