BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2546
85R22147 KKR-F	By: Zerwas (Campbell)
	Business & Commerce
	5/11/2017
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Interested parties contend that, although the workers' compensation system allows for the treatment of injured workers by a physician assistant, such an assistant is not currently authorized to complete and sign work status reports regarding an injured employee's ability to return to work. H.B. 2546 increases efficiency within the workers' compensation system by authorizing a licensed physician assistant to complete and sign such reports.

H.B. 2546 amends current law relating to completion of work status reports by a physician assistant under the workers' compensation system.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 408.025, Labor Code, by adding Subsection (a-1), as follows:

(a-1) Authorizes a treating doctor (doctor) to delegate to a physician assistant (PA) who is licensed to practice in this state under Chapter 204 (Physician Assistants), Occupations Code, the authority to complete and sign a work status report regarding an injured employee�s ability to return to work. Provides that the delegating doctor is responsible for the acts of the PA under this subsection.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017.