By:  Carona                                                       S.B. No. 1572


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the provision of treatment guidelines in the workers' 
compensation system.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 413.011, Subsection (e), Labor Code, is 
amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 413.011.  REIMBURSEMENT POLICIES AND GUIDELINES; 
TREATMENT GUIDELINES   
	(e)  The commission by rule may adopt treatment guidelines 
and individual treatment protocols, including return-to-work 
guidelines.  If adopted, treatment protocols and guidelines 
[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 protocol or guideline is not 
available for adoption by the commission, then the commission is 
not prevented from adopting a treatment guideline or protocol as 
long as it is scientifically valid and outcome-based.
	SECTION 2.  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.