SRC-SLL H.B. 3038 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3038
By: Woolley (Moncrief)
Economic Development
5-12-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

The Medical Advisory Committee is a 15-member committee established to
advise the Medical Review division of the Texas Workers' Compensation
Commission on medical policies, fee guidelines, and utilization
guidelines.  This bill will provide new regulations regarding medical
review under the workers' compensation system. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3038 provides new regulations regarding medical review
under the workers' compensation system. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 413.006, Labor Code, to authorize the Texas
Workers' Compensation Commission (commission) to appoint ad hoc advisory
medical committees as it considers necessary.  Requires an ad hoc medical
advisory committee to include at least one doctor who practices in each
type of practice included in the subject matter for which the advisory
committee is appointed.  Requires the commission to appoint and consider
the recommendations of one or more ad hoc medical advisory committees in
the review and revision  of medical policies and fee guidelines under
Section 413.012. 

SECTION 2. Repealer: Section 413.005, Labor Code (Advisory Committee).

SECTION 3. Provides that the medical advisory committee to the commission
is abolished on the effective date of this Act.  Requires all property and
records belonging to the state that are in the possession of that advisory
committee on the day before the effective date of this Act to be
transferred to the commission not later than the 30th day after the
effective date of this Act. 

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.