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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the designation of certain optometrists, therapeutic |
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optometrists, and ophthalmologists as preferred providers. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 1301.051(e), Insurance Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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(e) An insurer may not withhold a designation to: |
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(1) a podiatrist described by Section 1301.0521; or |
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(2) an optometrist, therapeutic optometrist, or |
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ophthalmologist described by Section 1301.0522. |
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SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 1301, Insurance Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 1301.0522 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 1301.0522. DESIGNATION OF CERTAIN OPTOMETRISTS, |
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THERAPEUTIC OPTOMETRISTS, AND OPHTHALMOLOGISTS AS PREFERRED |
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PROVIDERS. (a) Notwithstanding Section 1301.051, an insurer may |
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not withhold the designation of preferred provider to an |
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optometrist or therapeutic optometrist licensed by the Texas |
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Optometry Board or an ophthalmologist licensed by the Texas Medical |
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Board who: |
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(1) joins the professional practice of a contracted |
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preferred provider; |
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(2) applies to the insurer for designation as a |
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preferred provider; and |
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(3) complies with the terms and conditions of |
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eligibility to be a preferred provider. |
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(b) An optometrist, therapeutic optometrist, or |
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ophthalmologist designated as a preferred provider under this |
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section must comply with the terms of the preferred provider |
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contract used by the insurer or the insurer's network provider. |
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SECTION 3. Section 1301.0522, Insurance Code, as added by |
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this Act, applies only to a contract between a preferred provider |
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and an insurer that is entered into or renewed on or after September |
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1, 2015. A contract between a preferred provider and an insurer |
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that is entered into or renewed before September 1, 2015, is |
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governed by the law as it existed immediately before the effective |
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date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for that |
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purpose. |
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SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015. |