By: Taylor of Galveston, et al. S.B. No. 684
(Bonnen of Galveston)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the designation of certain optometrists, therapeutic
optometrists, and ophthalmologists as preferred providers.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 1301.051(e), Insurance Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(e) An insurer may not withhold a designation to:
(1) a podiatrist described by Section 1301.0521; or
(2) an optometrist, therapeutic optometrist, or
ophthalmologist described by Section 1301.0522.
SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 1301, Insurance Code, is
amended by adding Section 1301.0522 to read as follows:
Sec. 1301.0522. DESIGNATION OF CERTAIN OPTOMETRISTS,
THERAPEUTIC OPTOMETRISTS, AND OPHTHALMOLOGISTS AS PREFERRED
PROVIDERS. (a) Notwithstanding Section 1301.051, an insurer may
not withhold the designation of preferred provider to an
optometrist or therapeutic optometrist licensed by the Texas
Optometry Board or an ophthalmologist licensed by the Texas Medical
Board who:
(1) joins the professional practice of a contracted
preferred provider;
(2) applies to the insurer for designation as a
preferred provider; and
(3) complies with the terms and conditions of
eligibility to be a preferred provider.
(b) An optometrist, therapeutic optometrist, or
ophthalmologist designated as a preferred provider under this
section must comply with the terms of the preferred provider
contract used by the insurer or the insurer's network provider.
SECTION 3. Section 1301.0522, Insurance Code, as added by
this Act, applies only to a contract between a preferred provider
and an insurer that is entered into or renewed on or after September
1, 2015. A contract between a preferred provider and an insurer
that is entered into or renewed before September 1, 2015, is
governed by the law as it existed immediately before the effective
date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for that
purpose.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.