Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1066

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to conducting certain medical examinations using telehealth services and telemedicine medical services under the workers' compensation system.

Impact

The new provisions are expected to significantly impact the way medical evaluations are performed for workers' compensation claims, allowing certain examinations, especially those related to musculoskeletal injuries, to be carried out remotely. The requirement of having a healthcare professional physically present during such evaluations adds a layer of reassurance regarding the integrity and thoroughness of the assessments. However, the effectiveness of these telehealth services will depend on technological access and the willingness of both healthcare providers and employees to adapt to this new system.

Summary

House Bill 1066 proposes amendments to the Texas Labor Code, specifically addressing the use of telehealth services and telemedicine medical services for conducting medical examinations within the workers' compensation system. The bill establishes that the commissioner has the authority to order examinations to be conducted via telehealth when necessary, facilitating timely access to qualified medical professionals. This ensures that employees can receive essential evaluations without the need for physical appointments, potentially reducing the time and costs associated with traditional in-person consultations.

Contention

While the bill seeks to modernize the workers' compensation evaluation process, it may raise concerns regarding the adequacy of remote examinations compared to traditional methods. Some stakeholders may question whether telehealth can provide the same level of care and thoroughness necessary for accurate medical evaluations, particularly in cases of complex injuries. Additionally, the implementation of these services could lead to discrepancies in patient care depending on varying access to technology across the state, potentially affecting employees in rural or underserved areas.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Labor Code

  • Chapter 408. Workers' Compensation Benefits
    • Section: 0041
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4524

Relating to conducting certain medical examinations using telemedicine under the workers' compensation system.

TX SB2174

Relating to conducting certain medical examinations using telemedicine under the workers' compensation system.

TX HB2702

Relating to payments associated with certain medical examinations under the workers' compensation system; imposing a fee.

TX HB617

Relating to a pilot project to provide emergency telemedicine medical services and telehealth services in rural areas.

TX SB2527

Relating to the regulation of telemedicine medical services, teledentistry services, and telehealth services; providing a civil penalty.

TX SB1793

Relating to payments associated with certain medical examinations under the workers' compensation system; imposing a fee.

TX SB251

Relating to a pilot project to provide emergency telemedicine medical services and telehealth services in rural areas.

TX SB1359

Relating to reporting on the use of telemedicine medical services and telehealth services among participating providers of certain managed care plans.

TX HB790

Relating to the processes for and the adjudication and payment of certain claims under the workers' compensation system.

TX HB2535

Relating to the exclusion of certain medical services performed to determine an appropriate level of workers' compensation benefits from sales and use taxes.

Similar Bills

NJ S2090

Revises emergency care services referral standards for providers of telemedicine and telehealth.

NJ A2193

Revises emergency care services referral standards for providers of telemedicine and telehealth.

NJ S606

Revises emergency care services referral standards for providers of telemedicine and telehealth.

NJ A1658

Clarifies that veterinarians are not within ambit of telemedicine and telehealth law.

NJ A4087

Clarifies that veterinarians are not within ambit of telemedicine and telehealth law.

NJ S2464

Clarifies that veterinarians are not within ambit of telemedicine and telehealth law.

NJ A5757

Extends certain pay parity regarding telemedicine and telehealth for one year.

NJ S4127

Extends certain pay parity regarding telemedicine and telehealth for one year.