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.