SECTION 19.1701. General Provisions

(a) Statutory basis. This subchapter implements Insurance Code Chapter 4201, concerning Utilization Review Agents.

(b) Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction holds that any provision of this subchapter or its application to any person or circumstance is invalid for any reason, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this subchapter that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this subchapter are severable.

(c) Purpose. The purpose of this subchapter is to:

(1) promote the delivery of quality health care in a cost-effective manner, including protection of enrollee safety;

(2) ensure that URAs adhere to reasonable standards for conducting utilization reviews;

(3) foster greater coordination and cooperation between health care providers and URAs;

(4) improve communications and knowledge of medical benefits among all parties concerned before expenses are incurred; and

(5) ensure that URAs maintain the confidentiality of medical records in accord with applicable law.

Source Note: The provisions of this §19.1701 adopted to be effective February 20, 2013, 38 TexReg 892