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.