Texas Senate Bill SB1852

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The bill reinforces the criteria for physician participation in the workers' compensation system, thereby ensuring that only licensed and approved individuals can provide care under these regulations. This change is aimed at enhancing the quality of care for patients using workers' compensation benefits and could prevent fraudulent claims from unqualified providers. By establishing stricter eligibility conditions, lawmakers hope to protect the integrity and effectiveness of the workers' compensation system in Texas.

Summary

SB1852 amends the Texas Labor Code regarding the eligibility of certain physicians to provide and receive remuneration for workers' compensation health care services. The bill specifically targets physicians who were removed from, not admitted to, or suspended from the list of approved doctors before September 1, 2007. Under the new regulations, these physicians will be ineligible to offer healthcare services within the workers' compensation system unless they have been reinstated by the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission or the relevant division.

Contention

Some discussions may arise regarding the fairness of precluding physicians based on past actions that occurred many years ago, particularly if their licenses have since been reinstated or they've demonstrated compliance with current standards. Opponents might argue that this amendment limits the availability of healthcare providers for injured workers, which could impact the speed and comprehensiveness of care received. Furthermore, the specific date of September 1, 2007, raises questions about the rationale for this cutoff and its implications for physicians whose circumstances have changed since then.