SRC-JBJ H.B. 1826 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1826 By: Hochberg (Duncan) Economic Development 5/13/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, the Texas Workers' Compensation Act provides that an employee injured at work may be entitled to receive certain benefits. H.B. 1826 would prohibit an insurance carrier from requiring an employee, who has received the benefits for two years, to submit to a medical examination more than annually, if the injured employee's condition has not improved during the preceding year; and would set forth guidelines regarding a dispute of an examination. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1826 amends regulations regarding supplemental income benefits 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 Chapter 408H, Labor Code, by adding Section 408.151, as follows: Sec. 408.151. MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS FOR SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME BENEFITS. Prohibits an insurance carrier from requiring an employee, who receive supplemental income benefits for a certain time, to submit to certain medical examinations. Sets forth guidelines providing for a dispute regarding the examination guidelines. Authorizes the Texas Workforce Commission to require an employee to submit to a medical examination only to determine whether the employee's medical condition is a direct result of impairment from a compensable injury. SECTION 2.Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3.Emergency clause.