By:  Carona                                                       S.B. No. 1572


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to workers' compensation treatment guidelines and 
protocols.       
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  The heading to Section 413.011, Labor Code, is 
amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 413.011.  REIMBURSEMENT POLICIES AND GUIDELINES; 
TREATMENT GUIDELINES AND PROTOCOLS.
	SECTION 2.  Subsections (e) and (f), Section 413.011, Labor 
Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(e)  The commission by rule may adopt treatment guidelines, 
including return-to-work guidelines, and individual treatment 
protocols.  Except as otherwise provided by this subsection [If 
adopted], the treatment guidelines and protocols [adopted] must be 
nationally recognized, scientifically valid, and outcome-based and 
designed to reduce excessive or inappropriate medical care while 
safeguarding necessary medical care.  If a nationally recognized 
treatment  guideline or protocol is not available for adoption by 
the commission, the commission may adopt another treatment 
guideline or protocol as long as it is scientifically valid and 
outcome-based.
	(f)  The commission by rule may establish medical policies or 
treatment guidelines or protocols relating to necessary treatments 
for injuries.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.