Relating to the designated doctor's examination under the workers' compensation system.
Impact
The bill's passage would ensure that employees have additional avenues to seek the validation of their medical condition and required compensation. This change is expected to alleviate some of the frustrations employees experience when dealing with the workers' compensation system, particularly regarding the perceived finality of the designated doctor's opinion. It also mandates that insurance carriers cover costs for examinations under the new provisions, further balancing the scales in favor of employee rights. Overall, SB378 could lead to more equitable treatment of workers and better health outcomes.
Summary
SB378 proposes amendments to the Texas Labor Code regarding the process for designated doctor's examinations within the workers' compensation system. The bill aims to enhance the rights of employees by allowing them to request a second opinion on their maximum medical improvement and impairment rating. This is particularly important when the employee is dissatisfied with the evaluation from the designated doctor, which is typically the first assessment in these matters. The intended effect is to provide greater clarity and fairness in the evaluation process for workers who may feel their injuries have not been accurately assessed.
Contention
While specifics regarding opposition or support are not detailed in the provided materials, typically, amendments to workers' compensation systems may raise concerns among insurance companies regarding increased costs and potential abuse of the examination process by employees seeking favorable outcomes. Proponents of the bill, however, argue that these changes are necessary to ensure that employees can access appropriate medical evaluations and that their rights are adequately protected throughout the process.
Relating to the exclusion of certain medical services performed to determine an appropriate level of workers' compensation benefits from sales and use taxes.