HBA-ATS H.B. 2505 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2505 By: Brimer Business & Industry 3/11/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Today, a conundrum exists in the workers' compensation system. Although the number and severity of occupational injuries have declined by more than 27 percent since 1991, according to the Texas Research and Oversight Council on Workers' Compensation, the medical costs associated with a claim now exceed the national average by more than 50 percent. The average claim in the U.S. is $2,700; the average claim in Texas is $4,100. To many employers, both large and small, the increase is due to the fact that the law does not allow employers to choose the doctor responsible for the initial treatment of their injured employees. That choice belongs to an injured employee, who often seeks referrals from an employer when deciding which doctor to choose. Studies suggest that employees who use treating physicians recommended by their employers are satisfied with the care and treatment they received. H.B. 2505 entitles an injured employee to choose a treating doctor from a list supplied by an employer for the first 100 days after the date the injury is reported to the employer. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 408.022, Labor Code, to add a provision entitling an injured employee to choose a treating doctor from a list supplied by an employer for the first 100 days after the date the injury is reported to the employer. Makes a conforming change. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.