Sec. 405.0025. RESEARCH DUTIES OF GROUP. (a) The group shall conduct professional studies and research related to:

(1) the delivery of benefits;

(2) litigation and controversy related to workers' compensation;

(3) insurance rates and ratemaking procedures;

(4) rehabilitation and reemployment of injured employees;

(5) the quality and cost of medical benefits;

(6) employer participation in the workers' compensation system;

(7) employment health and safety issues; and

(8) other matters relevant to the cost, quality, and operational effectiveness of the workers' compensation system.

(b) The group shall:

(1) objectively evaluate the impact of the workers' compensation health care networks certified under Chapter 1305, Insurance Code, on the cost and the quality of medical care provided to injured employees; and

(2) report the group's findings to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the members of the legislature not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year.

(c) At a minimum, the report required under Subsection (b) must evaluate the impact of workers' compensation health care networks on:

(1) the average medical and indemnity cost per claim;

(2) access and utilization of health care;

(3) injured employee return-to-work outcomes;

(4) injured employee satisfaction;

(5) injured employee health-related functional outcomes;

(6) the frequency, duration, and outcome of complaints; and

(7) the frequency, duration, and outcome of disputes regarding medical benefits.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 265 (H.B. 7), Sec. 3.020, eff. September 1, 2005.