SRC-LBB S.B. 1572 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1572
By: Carona
State Affairs
4/4/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

HB 2600, enacted by the 77th Texas Legislature, abolished Texas Workers'
Compensation Commission's (TWCC) treatment guidelines and required that
newly adopted guidelines be nationally recognized, scientifically valid
and outcome-based.  As proposed, S.B. 1572 authorizes TWCC to adopt
treatment guidelines in the workers' compensation system. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority previously granted to the Texas Workers Compensation
Commission is modified in SECTION 1 (Section 413.011, Labor Code) of this
bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 413.011(e), Labor Code, to authorize the Texas
Workers' Compensation Commission (TWCC) to adopt by rule treatment
guidelines and individual treatment protocols, including return-to-work
guidelines.  Provides that if a nationally recognized treatment protocol
or guideline is not available for adoption by TWCC, then TWCC is not
prevented from adopting a treatment guideline or protocol as long as it is
scientifically valid and outcome-based.  Makes a conforming change. 

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