BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1753

By: Oliverson

Business & Industry

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The workers' compensation research and evaluation group must annually produce a report card on workers' compensation health care networks operating under the state's workers' compensation system even though the results rarely change significantly year-over-year. In addition, there are certain reporting requirements regarding that system that are duplicative, unnecessary, and costly from an administrative standpoint. H.B. 1753 seeks to address these issues by changing the frequency with which the report cards are issued to biennially and repealing those reporting requirements.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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

H.B. 1753 amends the Insurance Code to change the frequency with which the workers' compensation research and evaluation group must develop and issue a report card on workers' compensation health care networks operating under the state's workers' compensation system from annually to biennially and to set a recurring deadline for the report card for December 1 of each even-numbered year.

H.B. 1753 amends the Labor Code to make conforming changes.

H.B. 1753 repeals provisions establishing the following reporting requirements:

· a requirement for the research and evaluation group to evaluate and report biennially on the impact of certified workers' compensation health care networks on the cost and quality of medical care provided to injured employees; and

· a requirement for the commissioner of insurance to report biennially on the impact of certain legislation enacted by the 79th Legislature reforming the state's workers' compensation system.

H.B. 1753 repeals the following provisions:

· Section 1305.501, Insurance Code;

· Section 2053.012, Insurance Code; and

· Sections 405.0025(b) and (c), Labor Code.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.