Section 127.6.

(a) The administrative director shall, in consultation with the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation, other state agencies, and researchers and research institutions with expertise in health care delivery and occupational health care service, conduct a study of medical treatment provided to workers who have sustained industrial injuries and illnesses. The study shall focus on, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) Factors contributing to the rising costs and utilization of medical treatment and case management in the workers' compensation system.

(2) An evaluation of case management procedures that contribute to or achieve early and sustained return to work within the employee's temporary and permanent work restrictions.

(3) Performance measures for medical services that reflect patient outcomes.

(4) Physician utilization, quality of care, and outcome measurement data.

(5) Patient satisfaction.

(b) The administrative director shall begin the study on or before July 1, 2003, and shall report and make recommendations to the Legislature based on the results of the study on or before July 1, 2004.

(c) In implementing this section, the administrative director shall ensure the confidentiality and protection of patient-specific data.

(Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 639, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2004.)