HBA-MSH S.B. 440 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 440 By: Madla Insurance 5/11/2001 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Some podiatrists practicing in Texas who routinely provide physical modalities and durable medical equipment do not always receive payment because some preferred provider organizations (PPO) and health maintenance organizations (HMO) refuse to reimburse podiatrists for these services. These PPOs and HMOs direct patients to another facility for physical therapy, which may inconvenience the patient and disrupt timely patient care. Senate Bill 440 provides for a podiatrist to be reimbursed for furnishing physical modalities and durable medical equipment. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS Senate Bill 440 amends the Insurance Code to provide that a contract between a preferred provider organization (PPO) or health maintenance organization (HMO) and a licensed podiatrist must provide that the podiatrist may furnish physical modalities and durable medical equipment within the scope of the law regulating podiatry. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.