SRC-JBJ S.B. 384 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 384
76R1737 PAM-DBy: Duncan
Jurisprudence
2/16/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, a lien can be set by a hospital against an individual's cause of
action or claim of negligence against a third party.  The lien is for the
amount of charges for services provided to the injured individual during
the first 100 days of hospitalization and  only for charges that do not
exceed a reasonable and regular rate for the services.  S.B. 384 authorizes
a hospital lien to include the amount of a physician's charges for certain
services. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 384 authorizes a hospital lien to include the amount of a
physician's charges for certain services. 

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 55.004, Property Code, to authorize a lien to
include the physician charges for emergency hospital care, up to 100 days
of hospitalization.  Authorizes a hospital to act on behalf of a physician
to secure and discharge the lien.  Makes conforming changes.  

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.