Texas House Bill HB3152

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the payment of and contracts with health care providers by certain entities under contract with a certified workers' compensation network.

Impact

This legislation brings changes to the Insurance Code, specifically modifying Section 1305.153. The amendments mandate that any contract between management contractors and health care providers needs to distinctly specify the contracted rate for services and the reimbursement amounts after any agent fees are applied. This is intended to enhance transparency and ensure that health care providers have a clear understanding of the compensation structure associated with their services under the network.

Summary

House Bill 3152 focuses on the payment and contracting processes between health care providers and entities that are part of certified workers' compensation networks. The bill aims to clarify the relationships and obligations of management contractors or third parties acting on behalf of health care providers within the network. It introduces stipulations regarding the necessity of contract clarity, particularly on matters concerning health care service rates and administrative fees charged by management contractors.

Contention

While the bill's primary focus is to streamline and clarify financial transactions and agreements within the workers' compensation framework, discussions surrounding its implications suggest a potential contention regarding the influence of management contractors over health care providers. There are concerns about whether these changes could be utilized to impose additional fees or terms on providers, potentially complicating their financial situations. Lawmakers debated the implications of management structures and the necessity of safeguarding providers' interests without compromising the operational efficacy of the workers' compensation networks.