SRC-LBB S.B. 1575 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1575
By: Carona
State Affairs
4/8/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Texas Worker's Compensation Commission (TWCC) is authorized
to form a Medical Quality Review Panel.  As proposed, S.B. 1575 provides
members of TWCC's Medical Quality Review Panel immunity from civil
liability for an act performed or recommendation made within the scope of
the functions of the panel. 

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 413.0512(d), Labor Code, to provide that a
person who serves on the medical quality review panel is immune from civil
liability for an act performed or recommendation made within the scope of
the functions of the panel, if that member acts without malice and in the
reasonable belief that the action or recommendation is warranted by the
facts known to that person.  Provides that a person who serves on the
panel is entitled to the same protections afforded a commission member
under Section 402.010 (Civil Liability of Member), in the event of a civil
action brought against a member of the panel arising from the member's
participation on the panel. 

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