H.B. No. 1753
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to certain required reports under the Texas workers'
  compensation system.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 1305.502(a), Insurance Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (a)  Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year,
  the [The] group shall develop and issue an [annual] informational
  report card that identifies and compares, on an objective basis,
  the quality, costs, health care provider availability, and other
  analogous factors of workers' compensation health care networks
  operating under the workers' compensation system of this state with
  each other and with medical care provided outside of networks.
         SECTION 2.  Sections 504.053(c) and (d), Labor Code, are
  amended to read as follows:
         (c)  If the political subdivision or pool provides medical
  benefits in the manner authorized under Subsection (b)(2), the
  following do not apply:
               (1)  Sections 408.004 and 408.0041, unless use of a
  required medical examination or designated doctor is necessary to
  resolve an issue relating to the entitlement to or amount of income
  benefits under this title;
               (2)  Subchapter B, Chapter 408, except for Section
  408.021;
               (3)  Chapter 413, except for Section 413.042; and
               (4)  Chapter 1305, Insurance Code, except for Sections
  [1305.501,] 1305.502[,] and 1305.503.
         (d)  If the political subdivision or pool provides medical
  benefits in the manner authorized under Subsection (b)(2), the
  following standards apply:
               (1)  the political subdivision or pool must ensure that
  workers' compensation medical benefits are reasonably available to
  all injured workers of the political subdivision or the injured
  workers of the members of the pool within a designed service area;
               (2)  the political subdivision or pool must ensure that
  all necessary health care services are provided in a manner that
  will ensure the availability of and accessibility to adequate
  health care providers, specialty care, and facilities;
               (3)  the political subdivision or pool must have an
  internal review process for resolving complaints relating to the
  manner of providing medical benefits, including an appeal to the
  governing body or its designee and appeal to an independent review
  organization;
               (4)  the political subdivision or pool must establish
  reasonable procedures for the transition of injured workers to
  contract providers and for the continuity of treatment, including
  notice of impending termination of providers and a current list of
  contract providers;
               (5)  the political subdivision or pool shall provide
  for emergency care if an injured worker cannot reasonably reach a
  contract provider and the care is for medical screening or other
  evaluation that is necessary to determine whether a medical
  emergency condition exists, necessary emergency care services
  including treatment and stabilization, and services originating in
  a hospital emergency facility following treatment or stabilization
  of an emergency medical condition;
               (6)  prospective or concurrent review of the medical
  necessity and appropriateness of health care services must comply
  with Article 21.58A, Insurance Code;
               (7)  the political subdivision or pool shall continue
  to report data to the appropriate agency as required by Title 5 of
  this code and Chapter 1305, Insurance Code; and
               (8)  a political subdivision or pool is subject to the
  requirements under Sections [1305.501,] 1305.502[,] and 1305.503,
  Insurance Code.
         SECTION 3.  The following provisions are repealed:
               (1)  Section 1305.501, Insurance Code;
               (2)  Section 2053.012, Insurance Code; and
               (3)  Sections 405.0025(b) and (c), Labor Code.
         SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2021.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1753 was passed by the House on May 7,
  2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 143, Nays 0, 1 present, not
  voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1753 was passed by the Senate on May
  26, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
  APPROVED:  _____________________
                     Date          
   
            _____________________
                   Governor