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.