GEC H.B. 3038 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
H.B. 3038
By: Woolley
4-1-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

The Medical Advisory Committee, created in 1989 by Senate Bill 1, is a
15-member committee established to advise the Medical Review Division of
TWCC on medical policies, fee guidelines, and utilization guidelines. 

PURPOSE

This proposed legislation abolishes the Medical Advisory Committee and
gives the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission (Commission)  the ability
to appoint ad hoc medical advisory committees as it considers necessary. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 413.006, Texas Labor Code by striking the words
"in addition to the medical advisory committee", and allowing the
commission to appoint "ad hoc medical" advisory committees as it deems
necessary. 

SECTION 2.  Repeals Section 413.005. Medical Advisory Committee, Texas
Labor Code. 

SECTION 3.  Abolishes the Medical Advisory Committee as of the effective
date of the bill. 

SECTION 4.  Suspends three day rule.