78R7738 PB-D
By: Capelo H.B. No. 3000
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to reimbursement under the workers' compensation system
for certain providers of health care services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 413.011, Labor Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (c-1) to read as
follows:
(c) This section may not be interpreted:
(1) in a manner that would discriminate:
(A) in the amount or method of payment or
reimbursement for services in a manner prohibited by Section 3(d),
Article 21.52, Insurance Code; or
(B) in the amount or method of payment or
reimbursement for services provided to an employee who has
sustained a compensable injury by:
(i) a certified surgical
technologist/certified first assistant, as those terms are
understood by the medical advisor described by Section 413.0511; or
(ii) a surgical assistant licensed under
Chapter 206, Occupations Code; [,] or
(2) as restricting the ability of chiropractors to
serve as treating doctors as authorized by this subtitle.
(c-1) In addition to the guidelines required under
Subsection (a), the [The] commission shall also develop guidelines
relating to fees charged or paid for providing expert testimony
relating to an issue arising under this subtitle.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2003, and
applies only to a claim for workers' compensation benefits based on
a compensable injury that occurs on or after that date. A claim
based on a compensable injury that occurs before that date is
governed by the law in effect on the date that the compensable
injury occurred, and the former law is continued in effect for that
purpose.