(a) The requirements of Chapter 4201 apply to utilization review conducted in relation to claims in a workers’ compensation health care network. In the event of a conflict between Chapter 4201 and this chapter, this chapter controls.
(b) Any screening criteria used for utilization review related to a workers’ compensation health care network must be consistent with the network’s treatment guidelines.
(c) The preauthorization requirements of § 413.014, Labor Code, and commissioner of workers’ compensation rules adopted under that section, do not apply to health care provided through a workers’ compensation network. If a network or carrier uses a preauthorization process within a network, the requirements of this subchapter and commissioner rules apply. A network or an insurance carrier may not require preauthorization of treatments and services for a medical emergency.
(d) A utilization review agent or an insurance carrier that uses doctors to perform reviews of health care services provided under this chapter, including utilization review, or peer reviews under § 408.0231(g), Labor Code, may only use doctors licensed to practice in this state.