BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                    C.S.H.B. 1003

                                                                                                                                      By: Giddings

                                                                                                                           Business & Industry

                                                                                                        Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Currently, independent review organizations that review workers' compensation cases are authorized to use doctors not licensed in the state of Texas.  This limits the ability of the Division of Workers' Compensation to sanction these doctors for misconduct.

 

C.S.H.B. 1003 requires an independent review organization that uses doctors to perform reviews of health care services in workers' compensation cases to only use doctors licensed to practice in Texas.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

 

ANALYSIS

 

C.S.H.B. 1003 amends the Insurance Code by requiring an independent review organization that uses doctors to perform reviews of health care services in workers' compensation cases to only use doctors licensed to practice in this state.  The bill also requires an independent review organization that uses doctors to perform reviews of health care services under workers' compensation health care networks to use doctors licensed to practice in this state.  The bill defines "independent review organization."  The bill also deletes cross-references to the repealed Article 21.58C (Standards for Independent Review Organizations), Insurance Code, and adds cross-references to Chapter 4202 (Independent Review Organizations), Insurance Code.

 

C.S.H.B. 1003 applies only to a review of a health care service provided under a claim for workers' compensation benefits that is conducted on or after the effective date of this Act. 

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2007.

 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

 

The substitute differs from the original by making this Act apply to a review of a health care service provided under a claim for workers' compensation benefits that is conducted on or after the effective date of this Act rather than to apply to a claim for workers' compensation benefits based on a compensable injury that occurs on or after the effective date of this Act.  The substitute clarifies that an independent review organization that uses doctors to perform reviews of health care services under workers' compensation health care networks must use doctors licensed to practice in this state.  The substitute defines "independent review organization" and makes conforming changes.