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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to an optional preauthorization plan for the workers' |
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compensation return-to-work pilot program for small employers. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 413.022, Labor Code, is amended by |
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adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows: |
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(c-1) The commissioner by rule shall establish an optional |
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preauthorization plan for eligible employers who participate in the |
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pilot program. To participate in the preauthorization plan, an |
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employer must submit a proposal to the division, in the manner |
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prescribed by the division, that describes the workplace |
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modifications and other changes that the employer proposes to make |
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to accommodate an injured employee's return to work. If the |
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division approves the employer's proposal, the division shall |
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guarantee reimbursement of the expenses incurred by the employer in |
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implementing the modifications and changes from the account unless |
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the division determines that the modifications and changes differ |
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materially from the employer's proposal. Reimbursement under this |
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subsection is subject to the limit imposed under Subsection (c). |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2007. |