1. (a) The group shall conduct professional studies and research related to:

   1. (1) the delivery of benefits;
   2. (2) litigation and controversy related to workers' compensation;
   3. (3) insurance rates and ratemaking procedures;
   4. (4) rehabilitation and reemployment of injured employees;
   5. (5) the quality and cost of medical benefits;
   6. (6) employer participation in the workers' compensation system;
   7. (7) employment health and safety issues; and
   8. (8) other matters relevant to the cost, quality, and operational effectiveness of the workers' compensation system.

2. (b) The group shall:

   1. (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. (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.

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

   1. (1) the average medical and indemnity cost per claim;
   2. (2) access and utilization of health care;
   3. (3) injured employee return-to-work outcomes;
   4. (4) injured employee satisfaction;
   5. (5) injured employee health-related functional outcomes;
   6. (6) the frequency, duration, and outcome of complaints; and
   7. (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.

Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 856 (S.B. 800), Sec. 25(12), eff. September 1, 2021.