SRC-LBB H.B. 3109 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3109
78R3951 DLF-DBy: Keffer, Bill (Carona)
State Affairs
5/16/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the identity of physicians or health care providers performing
reviews for insurance companies as part of the utilization review process
is protected under Article 21.58A, Texas Insurance Code.  However,
independent review organizations (IROs) face problems due to the lack of
confidentiality of the identity of physicians and health care providers
who perform reviews.  H.B. 3109 provides for the confidentiality of the
identity of health care providers or physicians making review
determinations for IROs. 

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 2, Article 21.58C, Insurance Code, by adding
Subsection (h) to provide that information submitted by an independent
review organization in an application under Subsection (d) of this section
or otherwise in accordance with this article that reveals the identity of
a health care provider or physician making review determinations for the
organization is confidential as a trade secret. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2003.