Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3517

Caption

Relating to the eligibility of certain physicians to provide and receive remuneration for workers' compensation health care services.

Impact

The bill is expected to tighten regulations on physician participation in the workers' compensation system. By reinforcing exclusions based on past behavior, it aims to enhance the quality of care provided to injured workers. The implications of this legislation could significantly influence the landscape of health care services eligible for remuneration in the state, potentially impacting physicians' practices and the accessibility of medical care for patients relying on workers' compensation.

Summary

House Bill 3517 addresses the eligibility criteria for certain physicians wishing to provide and receive remuneration for health care services under the workers' compensation system in Texas. It specifically amends Section 408.023 of the Labor Code to detail conditions under which physicians who were previously removed, not admitted, or suspended from the list of approved doctors would remain ineligible for participating in workers' compensation services. These changes focus primarily on those who faced disciplinary actions before September 1, 2007, and have not been reinstated since then.

Contention

During discussions surrounding HB 3517, there may be varied opinions on its strictness. Supporters argue that maintaining these eligibility criteria will protect injured workers from subpar medical practices by ensuring that only approved and properly credentialed physicians can treat them. Conversely, opponents might contend that such restrictions could unfairly exclude competent medical professionals from providing care, thereby limiting the choices available to patients within the workers' compensation framework. This tension points to a broader discussion about regulatory balance in health care and the rights of physicians to practice.

Companion Bills

TX SB1852

Same As Relating to the eligibility of certain physicians to provide and receive remuneration for workers' compensation health care services.

Previously Filed As

TX HB790

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

TX HB3416

Relating to the eligibility of certain first responders for workers' compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder under the workers' compensation system.

TX HB4147

Relating to the eligibility of certain first responders for workers' compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder.

TX SB1776

Relating to the eligibility of certain first responders for workers' compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder.

TX HB593

Relating to the provision of direct patient care by physicians and health care practitioners.

TX HB2468

Relating to the entitlement of an injured employee to lifetime income benefits under the workers' compensation system.

TX HB4343

Relating to health benefit plan preauthorization requirements for certain health care services and the direction of utilization review by physicians.

TX HB1054

Relating to the classification of certain construction workers and the eligibility of those workers for unemployment benefits; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB3370

Relating to authorizing certain physical therapists to serve as a treating doctor under the workers' compensation system.

TX SB1878

Relating to the eligibility of a firefighter or emergency medical technician for workers' compensation benefits for infertility.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.