H.B. No. 4519
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to standards for independent review organizations.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 4202.002, Insurance Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
         (c)  In addition to the standards described by Subsection
  (b), the commissioner shall adopt standards and rules that:
               (1)  prohibit:
                     (A)  more than one independent review
  organization from operating out of the same office or other
  facility;
                     (B)  an individual or entity from owning more than
  one independent review organization;
                     (C)  an individual from owning stock in or serving
  on the board of more than one independent review organization;
                     (D)  an individual who has served on the board of
  an independent review organization whose certification was revoked
  for cause from serving on the board of another independent review
  organization before the fifth anniversary of the date on which the
  revocation occurred;
                     (E)  an attorney who is, or has in the past served
  as, the registered agent for an independent review organization
  from representing the independent review organization in legal
  proceedings; and
                     (F)  an independent review organization from
  disclosing confidential patient information, except to a provider
  who is under contract to perform the review; and
               (2)  require:
                     (A)  an independent review organization to be
  based and certified in this state and to locate the organization's
  primary offices in this state;
                     (B)  an independent review organization to
  voluntarily surrender the organization's certification while the
  organization is under investigation or as part of an agreed order;
  and
                     (C)  an independent review organization to apply
  for and receive a new certification after the organization is sold
  to a new owner.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 4519 was passed by the House on May
  15, 2009, by the following vote:  Yeas 144, Nays 0, 1 present, not
  voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 4519 was passed by the Senate on May
  27, 2009, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
  APPROVED:  _____________________
                     Date          
   
            _____________________
                   Governor