TITLE: Relating to conducting certain medical examinations using telemedicine under the workers' compensation system.

SUMMARY: Relating to conducting certain medical examinations using telemedicine under the workers' compensation system.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to conducting certain medical examinations using telemedicine under the workers' compensation system. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 408.123, Labor Code, is amended by adding Subsection (i) to read as follows: (i) A medical examination conducted to certify maximum medical improvement or assign an impairment rating may be performed using telehealth services or telemedicine medical services, as defined by Section 111.001, Occupations Code. A health care professional must be physically present in the room in which the employee is located to assist the certifying doctor in conducting the examination and administering any necessary testing. For purposes of this subsection, "health care professional" means an individual licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized to administer health care, for profit or otherwise, in the ordinary course of business or professional practice. SECTION 2. Section 408.123(i), Labor Code, as added by this Act, applies only to a medical examination to certify an employee's maximum medical improvement or assign an employee's impairment rating conducted on or after the effective date of this Act. A medical examination conducted before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the examination was conducted, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.