SRC-CTC C.S.S.B. 440 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 440 77R12328 AJA-FBy: Madla Business & Commerce 4/11/2001 Committee Report (Substituted) DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, some insurance companies and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) refuse to pay podiatrists for provision of physical treatment modalities, such as ultrasound, and durable medical equipment, such as foot braces. These insurance companies and HMOs require patients go to another facility for these services and items, inhibiting timely patient care. C.S.S.B. 440 requires insurance companies and HMOs to reimburse participating podiatrists for physical treatment modalities and durable medical equipment that are covered by the policy. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 3n, Article 3.70-3C, Insurance Code, as added by Chapter 1024, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, to authorize a podiatrist to furnish physical modalities and durable medical equipment under a preferred provider contract between an insurer and a podiatrist licensed by the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners. SECTION 2. Amends Section 18A(j), Article 20A, V.T.I.C., as added by Chapter 1026, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, to make conforming changes. SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2001. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES Amends As Filed S.B. 440 as follows: SECTION 1. Amends proposed text pertaining to the authorization of a podiatrist to furnish certain items. Removes proposed text pertaining to payment for services rendered. Removes proposed SECTION 2 pertaining to the use of a dispute resolution procedure. SECTION 2. Redesignates SECTION 3 as SECTION 2 and removes proposed text pertaining to payment for services rendered. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective. Removes proposed SECTION 4 pertaining to the use of a dispute resolution procedure. SECTION 4. Redesignates SECTION 5 as SECTION 4. Removes proposed text pertaining to the prospective application of this Act.