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.