Sec. 1305.303.  QUALITY OF CARE REQUIREMENTS.  (a)  A network shall develop and maintain an ongoing quality improvement program designed to objectively and systematically monitor and evaluate the quality and appropriateness of care and services and to pursue opportunities for improvement.  The quality improvement program must include return-to-work and medical case management programs.
(b)  The network's governing body is ultimately responsible for the quality improvement program.  The governing body shall:
(1)  appoint a quality improvement committee that includes network providers;
(2)  approve the quality improvement program;
(3)  approve an annual quality improvement plan;
(4)  meet at least annually to receive and review reports of the quality improvement committee or group of committees, and take action as appropriate; and
(5)  review the annual written report on the quality improvement program.
(c)  The quality improvement committee or committees shall evaluate the overall effectiveness of the quality improvement program as determined by commissioner rules.
(d)  The quality improvement program must be continuous and comprehensive and must address both the quality of clinical care and the quality of services.  The network shall dedicate adequate resources, including adequate personnel and information systems, to the quality improvement program.
(e)  The network shall develop a written description of the quality improvement program that outlines the organizational structure of the program, the functional responsibilities of the program, and the frequency of committee meetings.
(f)  The network shall develop an annual quality improvement work plan designed to reflect the type of services and the populations served by the network in terms of age groups, disease or injury categories, and special risk status, such as type of industry.
(g)  The network shall prepare an annual written report to the department on the quality improvement program.  The report must include:
(1)  completed activities;
(2)  the trending of clinical and service goals;
(3)  an analysis of program performance; and
(4)  conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the program.
(h)  Each network shall implement a documented process for the selection and retention of contracted providers, in accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner.
(i)  The quality improvement program must provide for a peer review action procedure for providers, as described by Section 151.002, Occupations Code.
(j)  The network shall have a medical case management program with certified case managers.  Case managers shall work with treating doctors, referral providers, and employers to facilitate cost-effective care and employee return-to-work.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 265 (H.B. 7), Sec. 4.02, eff. September 1, 2005.