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|
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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
|
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AN ACT
|
|
relating to the continuation and functions of the division of |
|
workers' compensation of the Texas Department of Insurance. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 31.004(b), Insurance Code, is amended to |
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read as follows: |
|
(b) Unless continued as provided by Chapter 325, Government |
|
Code, the duties of the division of workers' compensation of the |
|
Texas Department of Insurance under Title 5, Labor Code, expire |
|
September 1, 2017 [2011], or another date designated by the |
|
legislature. |
|
SECTION 2. Sections 1305.355(e), (f), and (g), Insurance |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(e) A party to a medical dispute that remains unresolved |
|
after a review under this section is entitled to a hearing and [may
|
|
seek] judicial review of the decision in accordance with Section |
|
1305.356. The division of workers' compensation and the department |
|
are not considered to be parties to the medical dispute. |
|
(f) A determination of an independent review organization |
|
related to a request for preauthorization or concurrent review is |
|
binding during the pendency of a dispute [any appeal,] and the |
|
carrier and network shall comply with the determination. |
|
(g) If a contested case hearing or judicial review is not |
|
sought under Section 1305.356 [this section], the carrier and |
|
network shall comply with the independent review organization's |
|
determination. |
|
SECTION 3. Subchapter H, Chapter 1305, Insurance Code, is |
|
amended by adding Section 1305.356 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1305.356. CONTESTED CASE HEARING ON AND JUDICIAL |
|
REVIEW OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW. (a) A party to a medical dispute |
|
that remains unresolved after a review under Section 1305.355 is |
|
entitled to a contested case hearing. A hearing under this |
|
subsection shall be conducted by the department's division of |
|
workers' compensation in the same manner as a hearing conducted |
|
under Section 413.0311, Labor Code. |
|
(b) At a contested case hearing held under Subsection (a), |
|
the hearing officer conducting the hearing shall consider |
|
evidence-based treatment guidelines adopted by the network under |
|
Section 1305.304. |
|
(c) A party that has exhausted all administrative remedies |
|
under Subsection (a) and is aggrieved by a final decision of the |
|
department's division of workers' compensation may seek judicial |
|
review of the decision. |
|
(d) Judicial review under Subsection (c) shall be conducted |
|
in the manner provided for judicial review of a contested case under |
|
Subchapter G, Chapter 2001, Government Code, and is governed by the |
|
substantial evidence rule. |
|
SECTION 4. Section 2051.151(e), Insurance Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
(e) An insurance company that fails to comply with this |
|
section commits an [a Class D] administrative violation under |
|
Subtitle A, Title 5, Labor Code. |
|
SECTION 5. Section 2053.206(a), Insurance Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
(a) A person commits an [a Class A] administrative violation |
|
under Subtitle A, Title 5, Labor Code, if the person engages in |
|
conduct that violates this subchapter. |
|
SECTION 6. Section 402.023, Labor Code, is amended by |
|
adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows: |
|
(c-1) The division shall adopt a policy outlining the |
|
division's complaint process from receipt of the initial complaint |
|
to the complaint's disposition. |
|
SECTION 7. Subchapter B, Chapter 402, Labor Code, is |
|
amended by adding Section 402.0231 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 402.0231. DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS. |
|
(a) The division shall develop procedures to formally document and |
|
analyze complaints received by the division. |
|
(b) The division shall compile detailed statistics on all |
|
complaints received and analyze complaint information trends, |
|
including: |
|
(1) the number of complaints; |
|
(2) the source of each complaint; |
|
(3) the types of complaints; |
|
(4) the length of time from the receipt of the |
|
complaint to its disposition; and |
|
(5) the disposition of complaints. |
|
(c) The division shall further analyze the information |
|
compiled under Subsection (b) by field office and by program. |
|
(d) The division shall report the information compiled and |
|
analyzed under Subsections (b) and (c) to the commissioner at |
|
regular intervals. |
|
SECTION 8. Section 402.073, Labor Code, is amended by |
|
amending Subsections (b) and (c) and adding Subsections (d) and (e) |
|
to read as follows: |
|
(b) In a case in which a hearing is conducted by the State |
|
Office of Administrative Hearings under Section 413.031 or [,] |
|
413.055, [or 415.034,] the administrative law judge who conducts |
|
the hearing for the State Office of Administrative Hearings shall |
|
enter the final decision in the case after completion of the |
|
hearing. |
|
(c) In a case in which a hearing is conducted in conjunction |
|
with Section 402.072, 407.046, [or] 408.023, or 415.034, and in |
|
other cases under this subtitle that are not subject to Subsection |
|
(b), the administrative law judge who conducts the hearing for the |
|
State Office of Administrative Hearings shall propose a decision to |
|
the commissioner for final consideration and decision by the |
|
commissioner. |
|
(d) The notice of the commissioner's order must include a |
|
statement of the right of the person to judicial review of the |
|
order. |
|
(e) In issuing an order under this section, the commissioner |
|
shall comply with the requirements applicable to a state agency |
|
under Section 2001.058, Government Code. |
|
SECTION 9. Section 403.001(a), Labor Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) Except as provided by Sections 403.006, [and] 403.007, |
|
and 403.008, or as otherwise provided by law, money collected under |
|
this subtitle, including [administrative penalties and] advance |
|
deposits for purchase of services, shall be deposited in the |
|
general revenue fund of the state treasury to the credit of the |
|
Texas Department of Insurance operating account. |
|
SECTION 10. Chapter 403, Labor Code, is amended by adding |
|
Section 403.008 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 403.008. DEPOSIT OF ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES. |
|
Administrative penalties collected under this subtitle shall be |
|
deposited in the general revenue fund. |
|
SECTION 11. Section 408.0041, Labor Code, is amended by |
|
amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (b-1) to read as |
|
follows: |
|
(b) Except as provided by Section 408.1225(f), a [A] medical |
|
examination requested under Subsection (a) shall be performed by |
|
the next available doctor on the division's list of certified |
|
designated doctors whose credentials are appropriate for the area |
|
of the body affected by the injury [issue in question] and the |
|
injured employee's diagnosis [medical condition] as determined by |
|
commissioner rule. [A designated doctor, other than a
|
|
chiropractor, is subject to Section 408.0043. A designated doctor
|
|
who is a chiropractor is subject to Section 408.0045.] The division |
|
shall assign a designated doctor not later than the 10th day after |
|
the date on which the request under Subsection (a) is approved, and |
|
the examination must be conducted not later than the 21st day after |
|
the date on which the commissioner issues the order under |
|
Subsection (a). An examination under this section may not be |
|
conducted more frequently than every 60 days, unless good cause for |
|
more frequent examinations exists, as defined by commissioner |
|
rules. |
|
(b-1) A designated doctor, other than a chiropractor, is |
|
subject to Section 408.0043. A designated doctor who is a |
|
chiropractor is subject to Section 408.0045. To the extent of a |
|
conflict between this section and Section 408.0043 or 408.0045, |
|
this section controls. |
|
SECTION 12. Section 408.022, Labor Code, is amended by |
|
amending Subsections (b) and (c) and adding Subsections (c-1) and |
|
(c-2) to read as follows: |
|
(b) If an employee is dissatisfied with the initial choice |
|
of a doctor [from the division's list], the employee may notify the |
|
insurance carrier [division] and request authority to select an |
|
alternate doctor. The notification must be in writing stating the |
|
reasons for the change, except notification may be by telephone |
|
when a medical necessity exists for immediate change. |
|
(c) The commissioner shall prescribe criteria to be used by |
|
an insurance carrier [the division] in granting the employee |
|
authority to select an alternate doctor. The criteria may include: |
|
(1) whether treatment by the current doctor is |
|
medically inappropriate; |
|
(2) the professional reputation of the doctor; |
|
(3) whether the employee is receiving appropriate |
|
medical care to reach maximum medical improvement; and |
|
(4) whether a conflict exists between the employee and |
|
the doctor to the extent that the doctor-patient relationship is |
|
jeopardized or impaired. |
|
(c-1) The employee may dispute a denial of authority to |
|
select an alternate doctor. A dispute under this subsection is |
|
subject to Chapter 410. |
|
(c-2) The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this |
|
section, including procedures for disputing a denial of authority. |
|
SECTION 13. Section 408.085, Labor Code, is amended to read |
|
as follows: |
|
Sec. 408.085. ADVANCE OF BENEFITS FOR HARDSHIP. (a) If |
|
there is a likelihood that income benefits will be paid, the |
|
insurance carrier [commissioner] may grant an employee suffering |
|
financial hardship advances as provided by this subtitle against |
|
the amount of income benefits to which the employee may be entitled. |
|
An advance may be granted [ordered] before or after the employee |
|
attains maximum medical improvement. [An insurance carrier shall
|
|
pay the advance ordered.] |
|
(b) An employee must apply to the insurance carrier |
|
[division] for an advance on a form prescribed by the commissioner. |
|
The application must describe the hardship that is the grounds for |
|
the advance. |
|
(c) An advance under this section may not exceed an amount |
|
equal to four times the maximum weekly benefit for temporary income |
|
benefits as computed in Section 408.061. An insurance carrier [The
|
|
commissioner] may not grant more than three advances to a |
|
particular employee based on the same injury. |
|
(d) An insurance carrier [The commissioner] may not grant an |
|
advance to an employee who is receiving, on the date of the |
|
application under Subsection (b), at least 90 percent of the |
|
employee's net preinjury wages under Section 408.003 or 408.129. |
|
(e) The employee may dispute a denial or the amount of an |
|
advance of benefits. A dispute under this subsection is subject to |
|
Chapter 410. |
|
(f) The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this |
|
section, including procedures for requesting an advance of benefits |
|
and disputing the denial or the amount of an advance of benefits. |
|
SECTION 14. Sections 408.104(a) and (b), Labor Code, are |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) On application by [either] the employee, [or] the |
|
insurance carrier[, the commissioner by order] may extend the |
|
104-week period described by Section 401.011(30)(B) if the employee |
|
has had spinal surgery, or has been approved for spinal surgery |
|
under Section 408.026 and commissioner rules, within 12 weeks |
|
before the expiration of the 104-week period. If the insurance |
|
carrier grants an extension [an order is issued] under this |
|
section, the insurance carrier [order] shall extend the statutory |
|
period for maximum medical improvement to a date certain, based on |
|
medical evidence presented to the insurance carrier |
|
[commissioner]. |
|
(b) The [Either the] employee [or the insurance carrier] may |
|
dispute the disposition of an application for extension made under |
|
this section. A dispute under this subsection is subject to Chapter |
|
410. |
|
SECTION 15. Section 408.1225, Labor Code, is amended by |
|
amending Subsections (a), (b), and (e) and adding Subsections |
|
(a-1), (a-2), (a-3), (a-4), (a-5), and (f) to read as follows: |
|
(a) To be eligible to serve as a designated doctor, a doctor |
|
must maintain an active certification by the division [meet
|
|
specific qualifications, including training in the determination
|
|
of impairment ratings and demonstrated expertise in performing
|
|
examinations and making evaluations as described by Section
|
|
408.0041.
The commissioner shall develop qualification standards
|
|
and administrative policies to implement this subsection and may
|
|
adopt rules as necessary]. |
|
(a-1) The commissioner by rule shall develop a process for |
|
the certification of a designated doctor. |
|
(a-2) The rules adopted by the commissioner under |
|
Subsection (a-1) must: |
|
(1) require the division to evaluate the qualification |
|
of designated doctors for certification using eligibility |
|
requirements, including: |
|
(A) educational experience; |
|
(B) previous training; and |
|
(C) demonstrated ability to perform the specific |
|
designated doctor duties described by Section 408.0041; and |
|
(2) require standard training and testing to be |
|
completed in accordance with policies and guidelines developed by |
|
the division. |
|
(a-3) The division shall develop guidelines for |
|
certification training programs for certification of a designated |
|
doctor under Subsection (a-1) to ensure a designated doctor's |
|
competency and continued competency in providing assessments, |
|
including: |
|
(1) a standard curriculum; |
|
(2) standard course materials; and |
|
(3) testing criteria. |
|
(a-4) The division shall develop and implement a procedure |
|
to periodically review and update the guidelines developed under |
|
Subsection (a-3). |
|
(a-5) The division may authorize an independent training |
|
and testing provider to conduct the certification program for the |
|
division under the guidelines developed under Subsection (a-3). |
|
(b) The commissioner shall ensure the quality of designated |
|
doctor decisions and reviews through active monitoring of the |
|
decisions and reviews, and may take action as necessary to: |
|
(1) restrict the participation of a designated doctor; |
|
[or] |
|
(2) deny renewal of [remove] a [doctor from inclusion
|
|
on the department's list of] designated doctor's certification; or |
|
(3) revoke a designated doctor's certification under |
|
Section 413.044 [doctors]. |
|
(e) A designated doctor, other than a chiropractor, is |
|
subject to Section 408.0043. A designated doctor who is a |
|
chiropractor is subject to Section 408.0045. To the extent of a |
|
conflict between this section and Section 408.0043 or 408.0045, |
|
this section controls. |
|
(f) A designated doctor shall continue providing services |
|
related to a case assigned to the designated doctor, including |
|
performing subsequent examinations or acting as a resource for |
|
division disputes, unless the division authorizes the designated |
|
doctor to discontinue providing services. The commissioner by rule |
|
shall prescribe the circumstances under which a designated doctor |
|
is permitted to discontinue providing services, including: |
|
(1) the doctor decides to stop practicing in the |
|
workers' compensation system; or |
|
(2) the doctor relocates the doctor's residence or |
|
practice. |
|
SECTION 16. Section 408.129, Labor Code, is amended by |
|
amending Subsections (a), (b), and (d) and adding Subsection (e) to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) On approval by an insurance carrier [the commissioner] |
|
of a written request received from an employee, the [an insurance] |
|
carrier shall accelerate the payment of impairment income benefits |
|
to the employee. The accelerated payment may not exceed a rate of |
|
payment equal to that of the employee's net preinjury wage. |
|
(b) An insurance carrier [The commissioner] shall approve |
|
the request and accelerate [order the acceleration of] the benefits |
|
if the carrier [commissioner] determines that the acceleration is: |
|
(1) required to relieve hardship; and |
|
(2) in the overall best interest of the employee. |
|
(d) The employee may dispute a denial or the amount of an |
|
acceleration of benefits. A dispute under this subsection is |
|
subject to Chapter 410. |
|
(e) The commissioner shall adopt rules [may prescribe forms
|
|
necessary] to implement this section, including procedures for |
|
requesting an acceleration of benefits and disputing the denial or |
|
the amount of an acceleration of benefits. |
|
SECTION 17. Section 408.141, Labor Code, is amended to read |
|
as follows: |
|
Sec. 408.141. AWARD OF SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME BENEFITS. An |
|
award of a supplemental income benefit[, whether by the
|
|
commissioner or a court,] shall be made in accordance with this |
|
subchapter. |
|
SECTION 18. Section 408.1415, Labor Code, is amended by |
|
amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (d) and (e) to read |
|
as follows: |
|
(a) The commissioner by rule shall adopt compliance |
|
standards for supplemental income benefit recipients that require |
|
each recipient to demonstrate an active effort to obtain |
|
employment, including [. To be eligible to receive supplemental
|
|
income benefits under this chapter, a recipient must provide
|
|
evidence satisfactory to the division of]: |
|
(1) active participation in a vocational |
|
rehabilitation program conducted by the Department of Assistive and |
|
Rehabilitative Services or a private vocational rehabilitation |
|
provider; |
|
(2) active participation in work search efforts |
|
conducted through the Texas Workforce Commission; or |
|
(3) active work search efforts documented by job |
|
applications submitted by the recipient. |
|
(d) To be eligible to receive supplemental income benefits |
|
under this subchapter, a recipient must provide evidence |
|
satisfactory to the insurance carrier that the recipient has |
|
complied with the standards adopted by the commissioner under |
|
Subsection (a). |
|
(e) The employee may dispute a denial of supplemental income |
|
benefits by an insurance carrier under this section. A dispute |
|
under this subsection is subject to Chapter 410. The commissioner |
|
by rule shall adopt procedures for disputing the denial of |
|
benefits. |
|
SECTION 19. Section 408.143(a), Labor Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) An [After the commissioner's initial determination of
|
|
supplemental income benefits, the] employee seeking supplemental |
|
income benefits must file a statement with the insurance carrier |
|
stating: |
|
(1) that the employee has earned less than 80 percent |
|
of the employee's average weekly wage as a direct result of the |
|
employee's impairment; |
|
(2) the amount of wages the employee earned in the |
|
filing period provided by Subsection (b); and |
|
(3) that the employee has complied with the |
|
requirements adopted under Section 408.1415. |
|
SECTION 20. Section 408.147, Labor Code, is amended to read |
|
as follows: |
|
Sec. 408.147. CONTEST OF SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME BENEFITS BY |
|
INSURANCE CARRIER; ATTORNEY'S FEES. [(a) An insurance carrier may
|
|
request a benefit review conference to contest an employee's
|
|
entitlement to supplemental income benefits or the amount of
|
|
supplemental income benefits.
|
|
[(b)
If an insurance carrier fails to make a request for a
|
|
benefit review conference within 10 days after the date of the
|
|
expiration of the impairment income benefit period or within 10
|
|
days after receipt of the employee's statement, the insurance
|
|
carrier waives the right to contest entitlement to supplemental
|
|
income benefits and the amount of supplemental income benefits for
|
|
that period of supplemental income benefits.
|
|
[(c)] If an insurance carrier denies an employee's |
|
entitlement [disputes the commissioner's determination that an
|
|
employee is entitled] to supplemental income benefits or there is a |
|
dispute regarding the amount of supplemental income benefits due |
|
and the employee prevails on any disputed issue, the insurance |
|
carrier is liable for reasonable and necessary attorney's fees |
|
incurred by the employee as a result of the [insurance carrier's] |
|
dispute and for supplemental income benefits accrued but not paid |
|
and interest on that amount, according to Section 408.064. |
|
Attorney's fees awarded under this section [subsection] are not |
|
subject to Sections 408.221(b), (f), and (i). |
|
SECTION 21. Section 408.149(b), Labor Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(b) Either party may request a benefit review conference to |
|
contest a determination of the commissioner at any time[, subject
|
|
only to the limits placed on the insurance carrier by Section
|
|
408.147]. |
|
SECTION 22. Section 408.151(a), Labor Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) On or after the second anniversary of the date the |
|
employee is initially awarded [commissioner makes the initial award
|
|
of] supplemental income benefits, an insurance carrier may not |
|
require an employee who is receiving supplemental income benefits |
|
to submit to a medical examination more than annually if, in the |
|
preceding year, the employee's medical condition resulting from the |
|
compensable injury has not improved sufficiently to allow the |
|
employee to return to work. |
|
SECTION 23. Section 408.221(b), Labor Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(b) Except as otherwise provided, an attorney's fee under |
|
this section is based on the attorney's time and expenses according |
|
to written evidence presented to the division or court. Except as |
|
provided by Subsection (c) or Section 408.147 [408.147(c)], the |
|
attorney's fee shall be paid from the claimant's recovery. |
|
SECTION 24. Section 409.021(e), Labor Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(e) An insurance carrier commits an administrative [a] |
|
violation if the insurance carrier does not initiate payments or |
|
file a notice of refusal as required by this section. [A violation
|
|
under this subsection shall be assessed at $500 if the carrier
|
|
initiates compensation or files a notice of refusal within five
|
|
working days of the date required by Subsection (a), $1,500 if the
|
|
carrier initiates compensation or files a notice of refusal more
|
|
than five and less than 16 working days of the date required by
|
|
Subsection (a), $2,500 if the carrier initiates compensation or
|
|
files a notice of refusal more than 15 and less than 31 working days
|
|
of the date required by Subsection (a), or $5,000 if the carrier
|
|
initiates compensation or files a notice of refusal more than 30
|
|
days after the date required by Subsection (a). The administrative
|
|
penalties are not cumulative.] |
|
SECTION 25. Section 410.023, Labor Code, is amended by |
|
amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (c) and (d) to read |
|
as follows: |
|
(b) The division shall require the party requesting the |
|
benefit review conference to provide documentation of efforts made |
|
to resolve the disputed issues before the request was submitted. |
|
(c) The commissioner by rule shall: |
|
(1) adopt guidelines regarding the type of information |
|
necessary to satisfy the requirements of Subsection (b); and |
|
(2) establish a process through which the division |
|
evaluates the sufficiency of the documentation provided under |
|
Subsection (b) [this requirement]. |
|
(d) The division may deny a request for a benefit review |
|
conference if the party requesting the benefit review conference |
|
does not provide the documentation required under Subsection (b). |
|
SECTION 26. Section 410.028, Labor Code, is amended to read |
|
as follows: |
|
Sec. 410.028. FAILURE TO ATTEND; ADMINISTRATIVE VIOLATION. |
|
(a) A scheduled benefit review conference shall be conducted even |
|
though a party fails to attend unless the benefit review officer |
|
determines that good cause, as defined by commissioner rule, exists |
|
to reschedule the conference. |
|
(b) If a party to a benefit review conference under Section |
|
410.023 requests that the benefit review conference be rescheduled |
|
under this section, the party must submit a request in the same |
|
manner as an initial request under Section 410.023. The division |
|
shall evaluate a request for a rescheduled benefit review |
|
conference received under this section in the same manner as an |
|
initial request received under Section 410.023. |
|
(c) If a [A party commits an administrative violation if
|
|
the] party fails to request that a benefit review conference be |
|
rescheduled in the time required by commissioner rule or fails to |
|
attend a benefit review conference without good cause as defined |
|
[determined] by commissioner rule, the party forfeits the party's |
|
entitlement to attend a benefit review conference on the issue in |
|
dispute, unless a [the] benefit review officer is authorized to |
|
schedule an additional benefit review conference under Section |
|
410.026(b). |
|
(d) The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to |
|
implement and enforce this section, including rules that: |
|
(1) define good cause; and |
|
(2) establish deadlines for requesting that a benefit |
|
review conference be rescheduled under Subsection (b). |
|
SECTION 27. Section 410.203(b), Labor Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(b) The appeals panel may: |
|
(1) reverse the decision of the hearings officer and |
|
render a new decision; [or] |
|
(2) reverse the decision of the hearings officer and |
|
remand the case to the hearing officer for further consideration |
|
and development of evidence; or |
|
(3) affirm the decision of the hearings officer in a |
|
case described by Section 410.204(a-1). |
|
SECTION 28. Section 410.204, Labor Code, is amended by |
|
amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to read as |
|
follows: |
|
(a) The appeals panel shall review each request and issue a |
|
written decision on each reversed or remanded case. The appeals |
|
panel may issue a written decision on an affirmed case as described |
|
by Subsection (a-1). The decision must be in writing and shall be |
|
issued not later than the 45th day after the date on which the |
|
written response to the request for appeal is filed. The appeals |
|
panel shall file a copy of the decision with the commissioner. |
|
(a-1) An appeals panel may only issue a written decision in |
|
a case in which the panel affirms the decision of a hearings officer |
|
if the case: |
|
(1) is a case of first impression; |
|
(2) involves a recent change in law; or |
|
(3) involves errors at the contested case hearing that |
|
require correction but do not affect the outcome of the hearing, |
|
including: |
|
(A) findings of fact for which insufficient |
|
evidence exists; |
|
(B) incorrect conclusions of law; |
|
(C) findings of fact or conclusions of law |
|
regarding matters that were not properly before the hearings |
|
officer; and |
|
(D) legal errors not otherwise described by this |
|
subdivision. |
|
SECTION 29. Sections 413.031(k) and (k-1), Labor Code, are |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(k) A party to a medical dispute [, other than a medical
|
|
dispute regarding spinal surgery subject to Subsection (l) and a
|
|
dispute subject to Section 413.0311,] that remains unresolved after |
|
a review of the medical service under this section is entitled to a |
|
hearing under Section 413.0311 or 413.0312, as applicable. [A
|
|
hearing under this subsection shall be conducted by the State
|
|
Office of Administrative Hearings not later than the 60th day after
|
|
the date on which the party notifies the division of the request for
|
|
a hearing.
The hearing shall be conducted in the manner provided
|
|
for a contested case under Chapter 2001, Government Code.] |
|
(k-1) A party who has exhausted all administrative remedies |
|
described by [under] Subsection (k) and who is aggrieved by a final |
|
decision of the division or the State Office of Administrative |
|
Hearings may seek judicial review of the decision. Judicial review |
|
under this subsection shall be conducted in the manner provided for |
|
judicial review of a contested case under Subchapter G, Chapter |
|
2001, Government Code. |
|
SECTION 30. The heading to Section 413.0311, Labor Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 413.0311. REVIEW OF [CERTAIN] MEDICAL NECESSITY |
|
DISPUTES; CONTESTED CASE HEARING. |
|
SECTION 31. Section 413.0311(a), Labor Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) This section applies only to [the following medical
|
|
disputes that remain unresolved after any applicable review under
|
|
Sections 413.031(b) through (i):
|
|
[(1)
a medical fee dispute in which the amount of
|
|
reimbursement sought by the requestor in its request for medical
|
|
dispute resolution does not exceed $2,000;
|
|
[(2)] an appeal of an independent review organization |
|
decision regarding determination of the [retrospective] medical |
|
necessity for a health care service [for which the amount billed
|
|
does not exceed $3,000; and
|
|
[(3)
an appeal of an independent review organization
|
|
decision regarding determination of the concurrent or prospective
|
|
medical necessity for a health care service]. |
|
SECTION 32. Subchapter C, Chapter 413, Labor Code, is |
|
amended by adding Section 413.0312 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 413.0312. REVIEW OF MEDICAL FEE DISPUTES; BENEFIT |
|
REVIEW CONFERENCE. (a) This section applies only to a medical fee |
|
dispute that remains unresolved after any applicable review under |
|
Sections 413.031(b) through (i). |
|
(b) Subject to Subsection (e), a party to a medical fee |
|
dispute described by Subsection (a) must adjudicate the dispute in |
|
the manner required by Subchapter B, Chapter 410. |
|
(c) At a benefit review conference conducted under this |
|
section, the parties to the dispute may not resolve the dispute by |
|
negotiating fees that are inconsistent with any applicable fee |
|
guidelines adopted by the commissioner. |
|
(d) If issues remain unresolved after a benefit review |
|
conference, the parties may elect to engage in arbitration as |
|
provided by Section 410.104. |
|
(e) If arbitration is not elected as described by Subsection |
|
(d), a party to a medical fee dispute described by Subsection (a) is |
|
entitled to a contested case hearing. A hearing under this |
|
subsection shall be conducted by the State Office of Administrative |
|
Hearings in the manner provided for a contested case under Chapter |
|
2001, Government Code. |
|
(f) The commissioner or the division may participate in a |
|
contested case hearing conducted under Subsection (e) if the |
|
hearing involves the interpretation of fee guidelines adopted by |
|
the commissioner. The division and the department are not |
|
considered to be parties to the medical fee dispute for purposes of |
|
this section. |
|
(g) The cost of the contested case hearing shall be paid by |
|
the nonprevailing party. |
|
SECTION 33. Section 413.044(b), Labor Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(b) Sanctions imposed under Subsection (a) may include: |
|
(1) revocation of certification for a designated |
|
doctor on [removal or suspension from] the division list of |
|
designated doctors; or |
|
(2) restrictions on the reviews made by the person as a |
|
designated doctor. |
|
SECTION 34. Section 413.0512, Labor Code, is amended by |
|
amending Subsections (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) and adding |
|
Subsections (g) and (h) to read as follows: |
|
(b) The agencies that regulate health professionals who are |
|
licensed or otherwise authorized to practice a health profession |
|
under Title 3, Occupations Code, and who are involved in the |
|
provision of health care as part of the workers' compensation |
|
system in this state [Texas State Board of Medical Examiners and the
|
|
Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, with input from their
|
|
respective professional associations,] shall develop lists of |
|
health care providers [physicians and chiropractors] licensed or |
|
otherwise regulated by those agencies who have demonstrated |
|
experience in workers' compensation or utilization review. The |
|
medical advisor shall consider appointing some of the members of |
|
the medical quality review panel from the names on those lists and, |
|
when appointing members of the medical quality review panel, shall |
|
select specialists from various health care specialty fields to |
|
serve on the panel to ensure that the membership of the panel has |
|
expertise in a wide variety of health care specialty fields. The |
|
medical advisor shall also consider nominations for the panel made |
|
by labor, business, and insurance organizations. |
|
(c) The medical quality review panel shall recommend to the |
|
medical advisor: |
|
(1) appropriate action regarding doctors, other |
|
health care providers, insurance carriers, utilization review |
|
agents, and independent review organizations; [and] |
|
(2) the addition or deletion of doctors from the list |
|
of approved doctors under Section 408.023; and |
|
(3) the certification, revocation of certification, |
|
or denial of renewal of certification [or the list] of a designated |
|
doctor [doctors established] under Section 408.1225. |
|
(d) A person who serves on the medical quality review panel |
|
is immune from suit and from civil liability for an act performed, |
|
or a recommendation made, within the scope of the person's |
|
functions as a member of the panel if the person acts without malice |
|
and in the reasonable belief that the action or recommendation is |
|
warranted by the facts known to that person. In the event of a civil |
|
action brought against a member of the panel that arises from the |
|
person's participation on the panel, the person is entitled to the |
|
same protections afforded the commissioner [a commission member] |
|
under Section 402.00123 [402.010]. |
|
(e) The actions of a person serving on the medical quality |
|
review panel do not constitute utilization review and are not |
|
subject to Chapter 4201 [Article 21.58A], Insurance Code. |
|
(f) A member of the medical quality review panel[, other
|
|
than a chiropractor,] who reviews a specific workers' compensation |
|
case is subject to Section 408.0043, 408.0044, or [.
A chiropractor
|
|
who reviews a specific workers' compensation case is subject to
|
|
Section] 408.0045, as applicable. |
|
(g) The medical advisor shall notify the division if the |
|
medical advisor determines that: |
|
(1) it is no longer necessary for the medical quality |
|
review panel to include a member that practices in a particular |
|
health care specialty field; or |
|
(2) there is a need for the panel to include a member |
|
that practices in a particular health care specialty field not |
|
represented on the panel. |
|
(h) If the division receives notice from the medical advisor |
|
under Subsection (g)(2), the division may enter into agreements |
|
with other state agencies to access, as necessary, expertise in |
|
that health care specialty field. |
|
SECTION 35. Subchapter E, Chapter 413, Labor Code, is |
|
amended by adding Sections 413.05115, 413.05121, and 413.05122 to |
|
read as follows: |
|
Sec. 413.05115. MEDICAL QUALITY REVIEW PROCESS. (a) The |
|
division shall develop, and the commissioner shall adopt, criteria |
|
concerning the medical case review process under this subchapter. |
|
In developing the criteria, and before adopting the criteria, the |
|
division and the commissioner, as applicable, must consult with the |
|
medical advisor and seek input from potentially affected parties, |
|
including health care providers and insurance carriers. |
|
(b) The criteria developed and adopted under this section |
|
must establish a clear process or processes: |
|
(1) for handling complaint-based medical case |
|
reviews; and |
|
(2) through which the division selects health care |
|
providers or other entities for a compliance audit or review. |
|
(c) The division shall make the criteria developed and |
|
adopted under this section available on the Internet website |
|
maintained by the division. |
|
Sec. 413.05121. QUALITY ASSURANCE PANEL. (a) The medical |
|
advisor shall establish the quality assurance panel within the |
|
medical quality review panel to: |
|
(1) provide an additional level of evaluation in |
|
medical case reviews; and |
|
(2) assist the medical advisor in performing the |
|
advisor's duties under Section 413.0511(b)(6) and the medical |
|
quality review panel in performing that panel's duties under |
|
Section 413.0512. |
|
(b) Members of the quality assurance panel shall evaluate |
|
medical care and recommend enforcement actions to the medical |
|
advisor. |
|
(c) The quality assurance panel shall meet periodically to |
|
discuss issues and otherwise offer assistance to the medical |
|
advisor and the medical quality review panel under Subsection |
|
(a)(2). |
|
Sec. 413.05122. MEDICAL QUALITY REVIEW PANEL: RULES; |
|
TRAINING. (a) The commissioner, after consultation with the |
|
medical advisor, shall adopt rules concerning the operation of the |
|
medical quality review panel, including rules that establish: |
|
(1) the qualifications necessary for a health care |
|
provider to serve on the medical quality review panel; |
|
(2) the composition of the medical quality review |
|
panel, including the number of members to be included on the panel |
|
and the health care specialty fields required to be represented by |
|
the members of the panel; |
|
(3) the maximum length of time a health care provider |
|
may serve on the medical quality review panel; |
|
(4) a policy defining situations that constitute a |
|
conflict of interest for a member of the medical quality review |
|
panel; |
|
(5) procedures and grounds for removing a member of |
|
the medical quality review panel from the panel, including as a |
|
ground for removal that a member is repeatedly delinquent in |
|
conducting case reviews; and |
|
(6) a procedure through which members of the medical |
|
quality review panel are notified concerning the status and |
|
enforcement outcomes of cases resulting from the medical quality |
|
review process. |
|
(b) In addition to the rules required under Subsection (a), |
|
the commissioner shall adopt rules concerning the training |
|
requirements for members of the medical quality review panel. The |
|
rules adopted under this subsection must ensure that panel members |
|
are fully aware of any requirements imposed by this subtitle |
|
concerning the medical quality review process and the division's |
|
goals concerning the process. The rules adopted under this |
|
subsection may require members to receive training on any topic |
|
determined by the division or the commissioner to be relevant to the |
|
operations of the panel and must require members of the panel to |
|
receive training concerning: |
|
(1) administrative violations that affect the |
|
delivery of appropriate medical care; |
|
(2) the confidentiality requirements described by |
|
Section 413.0513 and the immunity from liability provided to |
|
members of the panel under Section 413.054; and |
|
(3) the medical quality review criteria adopted under |
|
Section 413.05115. |
|
SECTION 36. Section 413.054(a), Labor Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) A person who performs services for the division as a |
|
designated doctor, an independent medical examiner, a doctor |
|
performing a medical case review, or a member of a peer review panel |
|
has the same immunity from liability as the commissioner under |
|
Section 402.00123 [402.0024]. |
|
SECTION 37. Section 414.005, Labor Code, is amended to read |
|
as follows: |
|
Sec. 414.005. INVESTIGATION UNIT. (a) The division shall |
|
maintain an investigation unit to conduct investigations relating |
|
to alleged violations of this subtitle, commissioner rules, or a |
|
commissioner order or decision, with particular emphasis on |
|
violations of Chapters 415 and 416. |
|
(b) As often as the commissioner considers necessary, the |
|
commissioner or the investigation unit may review the operations of |
|
a person regulated by the division, including an agent of the person |
|
performing functions regulated by the division, to determine |
|
compliance with this subtitle. |
|
(c) The review described by Subsection (b) may include |
|
on-site visits to the person's premises. The commissioner is not |
|
required to announce an on-site visit in advance. |
|
(d) During an on-site visit, a person regulated by the |
|
division shall make available to the division all records relating |
|
to the person's participation in the workers' compensation system. |
|
(e) The commissioner by rule shall prescribe the procedures |
|
to be used for both announced and unannounced on-site visits |
|
authorized under this section, including specifying the records |
|
subject to inspection. |
|
SECTION 38. Section 415.0035(e), Labor Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(e) A person regulated by the division under this title [An
|
|
insurance carrier or health care provider] commits an |
|
administrative violation if the [that] person violates this |
|
subtitle or a rule, order, or decision of the commissioner. |
|
SECTION 39. Section 415.008(a), Labor Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) A person commits an administrative [a] violation if the |
|
person, to obtain or deny a payment of a workers' compensation |
|
benefit or the provision of a benefit for the person or another, |
|
knowingly or intentionally: |
|
(1) makes a false or misleading statement; |
|
(2) misrepresents or conceals a material fact; |
|
(3) fabricates, alters, conceals, or destroys a |
|
document; or |
|
(4) conspires to commit an act described by |
|
Subdivision (1), (2), or (3). |
|
SECTION 40. Sections 415.009 and 415.010, Labor Code, are |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 415.009. FRIVOLOUS ACTIONS; ADMINISTRATIVE VIOLATION. |
|
[(a)] A person commits an administrative [a] violation if the |
|
person brings, prosecutes, or defends an action for benefits under |
|
this subtitle or requests initiation of an administrative violation |
|
proceeding that does not have a basis in fact or is not warranted by |
|
existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, |
|
modification, or reversal of existing law. |
|
[(b)
A violation under Subsection (a) is a Class B
|
|
administrative violation.] |
|
Sec. 415.010. BREACH OF AGREEMENT; ADMINISTRATIVE |
|
VIOLATION. [(a)] A party to an agreement approved by the division |
|
commits an administrative [a] violation if the person breaches a |
|
provision of the agreement. |
|
[(b)
A violation under Subsection (a) is a Class C
|
|
administrative violation.] |
|
SECTION 41. The heading to Subchapter B, Chapter 415, Labor |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. SANCTIONS [PENALTIES] |
|
SECTION 42. Section 415.021(a), Labor Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) In addition to any other provisions in this subtitle |
|
relating to violations, a person commits an administrative |
|
violation if the person violates, fails to comply with, or refuses |
|
to comply with this subtitle or a rule, order, or decision of the |
|
commissioner, including an emergency cease and desist order issued |
|
under Section 415.0211. In addition to any sanctions, |
|
administrative penalty, or other remedy authorized by this |
|
subtitle, the commissioner may assess an administrative penalty |
|
against a person who commits an administrative violation. The |
|
administrative penalty shall not exceed $25,000 per day per |
|
occurrence. Each day of noncompliance constitutes a separate |
|
violation. The commissioner's authority under this chapter is in |
|
addition to any other authority to enforce a sanction, penalty, |
|
fine, forfeiture, denial, suspension, or revocation otherwise |
|
authorized by law. |
|
SECTION 43. Subchapter B, Chapter 415, Labor Code, is |
|
amended by adding Section 415.0211 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 415.0211. EMERGENCY CEASE AND DESIST ORDER. (a) The |
|
commissioner ex parte may issue an emergency cease and desist order |
|
if: |
|
(1) the commissioner believes a person regulated by |
|
the division under this title is engaging in conduct violating a |
|
law, rule, or order; and |
|
(2) the commissioner believes that the alleged conduct |
|
under Subdivision (1) will result in harm to the health, safety, or |
|
welfare of another person. |
|
(b) On issuance of an order under Subsection (a), the |
|
commissioner shall serve on the affected person an order that |
|
contains a statement of the charges and requires the person |
|
immediately to cease and desist from the acts, methods, or |
|
practices stated in the order. The commissioner shall serve the |
|
order by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to |
|
the affected person's last known address. The order is final on the |
|
31st day after the date the affected person receives the order, |
|
unless the affected person requests a hearing under Subsection (c). |
|
(c) A person affected by an order is entitled to request a |
|
hearing to contest the order. The affected person must request the |
|
hearing not later than the 30th day after the date the person |
|
receives the order required by Subsection (b). A request to contest |
|
an order must: |
|
(1) be in writing; |
|
(2) be directed to the commissioner; and |
|
(3) state the grounds for the request to set aside or |
|
modify the order. |
|
(d) On receiving a request for a hearing, the commissioner |
|
shall serve notice of the time and place of the hearing. The |
|
hearing is subject to the procedures for a contested case under |
|
Chapter 2001, Government Code. The hearing shall be held not later |
|
than the 10th day after the date the commissioner receives the |
|
request for a hearing unless the parties mutually agree to a later |
|
hearing date. At the hearing, the person requesting the hearing is |
|
entitled to show cause why the order should not be affirmed. |
|
Following receipt of the proposal for decision from the State |
|
Office of Administrative Hearings regarding the hearing, the |
|
commissioner shall wholly or partly affirm, modify, or set aside |
|
the order. |
|
(e) Pending a hearing under this section, an order continues |
|
in effect unless the order is stayed by the commissioner. |
|
SECTION 44. Section 402.072, Labor Code, is transferred to |
|
Subchapter B, Chapter 415, Labor Code, and redesignated as Section |
|
415.0215, Labor Code, to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 415.0215 [402.072]. SANCTIONS. (a) The division may |
|
impose sanctions against any person regulated by the division under |
|
this subtitle. |
|
(b) Only the commissioner may impose: |
|
(1) a sanction that deprives a person of the right to |
|
practice before the division or of the right to receive |
|
remuneration under this subtitle for a period exceeding 30 days; or |
|
(2) another sanction suspending for more than 30 days |
|
or revoking a license, certification, or permit required for |
|
practice in the field of workers' compensation. |
|
(c) A sanction imposed by the division is binding pending |
|
appeal. |
|
SECTION 45. Sections 415.025, 415.032, 415.033, and |
|
415.034, Labor Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 415.025. REFERENCES TO A CLASS OF VIOLATION OR |
|
PENALTY. A reference in this code or other law, or in rules of the |
|
former Texas Workers' Compensation Commission or the commissioner, |
|
to a particular class of violation, administrative violation, or |
|
penalty shall be construed as a reference to an administrative |
|
penalty. An [Except as otherwise provided by this subtitle, an] |
|
administrative penalty may not exceed $25,000 per day per |
|
occurrence. Each day of noncompliance constitutes a separate |
|
violation. |
|
Sec. 415.032. NOTICE OF POSSIBLE ADMINISTRATIVE VIOLATION; |
|
RESPONSE. (a) If investigation by the division indicates that an |
|
administrative violation has occurred, the division shall notify |
|
the person alleged to have committed the violation in writing of: |
|
(1) the charge; |
|
(2) the proposed sanction [penalty]; |
|
(3) the right to consent to the charge and the sanction |
|
[penalty]; and |
|
(4) the right to request a hearing. |
|
(b) Not later than the 20th day after the date on which |
|
notice is received, the charged party shall: |
|
(1) remit the amount of the sanction [penalty] to the |
|
division or otherwise consent to the imposed sanction; or |
|
(2) submit to the division a written request for a |
|
hearing. |
|
Sec. 415.033. FAILURE TO RESPOND. If, without good cause, a |
|
charged party fails to respond as required under Section 415.032, |
|
[the penalty is due and] the division shall initiate enforcement |
|
proceedings. |
|
Sec. 415.034. HEARING PROCEDURES. [(a)] On the request of |
|
the charged party or the commissioner, the State Office of |
|
Administrative Hearings shall set a hearing. The hearing shall be |
|
conducted in the manner provided for a contested case under Chapter |
|
2001, Government Code (the administrative procedure law). |
|
[(b)
At the close of the hearing, the hearing officer
|
|
conducting the hearing shall make findings of fact and conclusions
|
|
of law and shall issue a written decision. If the hearing officer
|
|
determines that an administrative violation has occurred, the
|
|
hearing officer shall include in the decision the amount of the
|
|
administrative penalty assessed and shall order payment of the
|
|
penalty.
|
|
[(c)
The findings of fact, the decision, and the order shall
|
|
be sent immediately to the charged party.] |
|
SECTION 46. Subchapter C, Chapter 415, Labor Code, is |
|
amended by adding Section 415.036 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 415.036. STANDARD OF JUDICIAL REVIEW OF COMMISSIONER'S |
|
ORDER. An order of the commissioner is subject to judicial review |
|
under the substantial evidence rule. |
|
SECTION 47. Section 419.001, Labor Code, is amended by |
|
adding Subsection (c) to read as follows: |
|
(c) For purposes of this chapter, a person acts in a |
|
"deceptive manner" if the person knows or should know that the |
|
person's actions would convey, or could reasonably be interpreted |
|
or construed as conveying, the false impression that: |
|
(1) an item is approved, endorsed, sponsored, |
|
authorized by, the same as, or associated with the division, the |
|
department, this state, or an agency of this state; or |
|
(2) the person has a connection with or authorization |
|
from the division, the department, this state, or an agency of this |
|
state. |
|
SECTION 48. Section 419.002, Labor Code, is amended to read |
|
as follows: |
|
Sec. 419.002. MISUSE OF DIVISION'S NAME OR SYMBOLS |
|
PROHIBITED. (a) Except as authorized by law, a person, in |
|
connection with any impersonation, advertisement, solicitation, |
|
business name, business activity, document, product, or service |
|
made or offered by the person regarding workers' compensation |
|
coverage or benefits, may not knowingly use or cause to be used in a |
|
deceptive manner: |
|
(1) the words "Texas Department of Insurance," |
|
"Department of Insurance," "Texas Workers' Compensation," or |
|
"division of workers' compensation"; |
|
(2) any term using both "Texas" and "Workers' |
|
Compensation" or any term using both "Texas" and "Workers' Comp"; |
|
(3) the initials "T.D.I."; or |
|
(4) any combination or variation of the words or |
|
initials, or any term deceptively similar to the words or initials, |
|
described by Subdivisions (1)-(3). |
|
(b) A person subject to Subsection (a) may not knowingly use |
|
or cause to be used in a deceptive manner a word, term, or initials |
|
described by Subsection (a) alone or in conjunction with: |
|
(1) the state seal or a representation of the state |
|
seal; |
|
(2) a picture or map of this state; or |
|
(3) the official logo of the department or the |
|
division or a representation of the department's or division's |
|
logo. |
|
SECTION 49. The following provisions of the Labor Code are |
|
repealed: |
|
(1) Section 413.031(l); |
|
(2) Sections 415.0035(c), (d), and (f); |
|
(3) Section 415.0036(c); |
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(4) Section 415.004; |
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(5) Section 415.008(b); and |
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(6) Section 415.022. |
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SECTION 50. Sections 1305.355(e), (f), and (g), Insurance |
|
Code, as amended by this Act, and Section 1305.356, Insurance Code, |
|
as added by this Act, apply to a medical dispute based on a review by |
|
an independent review organization under Section 1305.355 that is |
|
commenced on or after the effective date of this Act. A dispute |
|
based on a review by an independent review organization under |
|
Section 1305.355 that is commenced before the effective date of |
|
this Act is governed by the law in effect immediately before the |
|
effective date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for |
|
that purpose. |
|
SECTION 51. Section 402.073, Labor Code, as amended by this |
|
Act, applies only to an administrative hearing that is conducted on |
|
or after the effective date of this Act. An administrative hearing |
|
conducted before the effective date of this Act is governed by the |
|
law in effect when the hearing was conducted, and the former law is |
|
continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
SECTION 52. Section 403.001, Labor Code, as amended by this |
|
Act, and Section 403.008, Labor Code, as added by this Act, apply |
|
only to an administrative penalty assessed for an administrative |
|
violation that occurs on or after the effective date of this Act. |
|
An administrative penalty assessed for an administrative violation |
|
that occurred before the effective date of this Act is governed by |
|
the law in effect when the violation occurred, and the former law is |
|
continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
SECTION 53. (a) The commissioner of workers' compensation |
|
shall adopt the rules regarding certification of designated doctors |
|
required by Section 408.1225, Labor Code, as amended by this Act, |
|
not later than January 1, 2013. |
|
(b) A designated doctor is not required to obtain |
|
certification under Section 408.1225, Labor Code, as amended by |
|
this Act, before January 1, 2013. |
|
(c) Sections 408.1225(b), 413.044(b), and 413.0512(c), |
|
Labor Code, as amended by this Act, apply only to a disciplinary |
|
action taken against a designated doctor on or after January 1, |
|
2013. A disciplinary action taken against a designated doctor |
|
before that date is governed by the law as it existed immediately |
|
before the effective date of this Act, and the former law is |
|
continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
(d) Section 408.0041, Labor Code, as amended by this Act, |
|
applies only to a medical examination by a designated doctor that |
|
occurs on or after January 1, 2013. A medical examination that |
|
occurs before that date is governed by the law in effect when the |
|
medical examination occurred, and the former law is continued in |
|
effect for that purpose. |
|
SECTION 54. (a) Sections 408.022, 408.085, 408.104, |
|
408.129, 408.1415, 408.143, 408.147, and 408.151, Labor Code, as |
|
amended by this Act, apply to an application filed or a request made |
|
on or after January 1, 2013. An application filed or a request made |
|
before January 1, 2013, is governed by the law in effect when the |
|
application was filed or the request was made, and the former law is |
|
continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
(b) The commissioner of workers' compensation shall adopt |
|
the rules required by Sections 408.022, 408.085, 408.104, 408.129, |
|
and 408.1415, Labor Code, as amended by this Act, as soon as |
|
practicable after the effective date of this Act. |
|
SECTION 55. The change in law made by this Act in amending |
|
Sections 409.021, 415.0035, 415.008, 415.009, 415.010, 415.021, |
|
415.025, 415.032, 415.033, and 415.034, Labor Code, and Sections |
|
2051.151 and 2053.206, Insurance Code, adding Section 415.0211, |
|
Labor Code, and repealing Sections 415.0035(c), (d), and (f), |
|
415.0036(c), 415.004, 415.008(b), and 415.022, Labor Code, applies |
|
only to an administrative violation that occurs on or after the |
|
effective date of this Act. An administrative violation that |
|
occurs before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law |
|
in effect on the date the violation occurred, and the former law is |
|
continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
SECTION 56. Sections 410.023 and 410.028, Labor Code, as |
|
amended by this Act, apply only to a benefit review conference |
|
requested on or after the effective date of this Act. A benefit |
|
review conference requested before the effective date of this Act |
|
is governed by the law in effect immediately before the effective |
|
date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for that |
|
purpose. |
|
SECTION 57. Sections 413.031(k) and (k-1) and 413.0311(a), |
|
Labor Code, as amended by this Act, and Section 413.0312, Labor |
|
Code, as added by this Act, apply only to the appeal of a medical fee |
|
dispute under those sections that is based on a review conducted by |
|
the division of workers' compensation of the Texas Department of |
|
Insurance on or after the effective date of this Act. The appeal of |
|
a medical fee dispute that is based on a review conducted by the |
|
division of workers' compensation before the effective date of this |
|
Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the review was |
|
conducted, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
SECTION 58. Section 414.005, Labor Code, as amended by this |
|
Act, applies only to an investigation or review conducted on or |
|
after the effective date of this Act. An investigation or review |
|
conducted before the effective date of this Act is governed by the |
|
law in effect when the investigation or review was conducted, and |
|
the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
SECTION 59. Section 415.036, Labor Code, as added by this |
|
Act, applies only to an order of the commissioner of workers' |
|
compensation issued on or after the effective date of this Act. An |
|
order of the commissioner that was issued before the effective date |
|
of this Act is governed by the law in effect when the order was |
|
issued, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
SECTION 60. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011. |