(1) "Per diem" means financial assistance with expenses for a Medicaid recipient's meals and lodging enroute to and from, and while receiving medically necessary medical care.

(2) "Prior authorization" means the department or its designee's review and approval of the medical necessity and coverage of a service prior to delivery of the service.

(3) "Transportation service" means travel furnished by common carrier or private vehicle.

(a) Transportation service does not include ambulance services or specialized nonemergency medical transportation services for persons with disabilities.