TITLE: Relating to prohibited practices by an insurer that issues a preferred provider benefit plan regarding use of freestanding emergency medical care facilities.

SUMMARY: Relating to prohibited practices by an insurer that issues a preferred provider benefit plan regarding use of freestanding emergency medical care facilities.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to prohibited practices by an insurer that issues a preferred provider benefit plan regarding use of freestanding emergency medical care facilities. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 1301, Insurance Code, is amended by adding Section 1301.0059 to read as follows: Sec. 1301.0059. USE OF FREESTANDING EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES. It is an unfair method of competition or an unfair or deceptive act or practice under Chapter 541 for an insurer to encourage or instruct an insured to not receive health care services from a freestanding emergency medical care facility. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.