An ordinance amending Section 3.24.020 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to authorize the extension of the "in-line-of-duty medical treatment network" pilot program.

Whereas, the Council of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County has adopted a system of employee benefits known as the Metropolitan Employee Benefit System; and

Whereas, the system of employee benefits includes medical care benefits for officers and employees of the Metropolitan Government; and

Whereas, section 3.24.020(D) of the Metropolitan Code of Laws authorizes the Metropolitan Employee Benefit Board to conduct an "in-line-of-duty medical treatment network" pilot program; and

Whereas, section 3.24.020(D) of the Metropolitan Code of Laws provides that the term of the "in-line-of-duty medical treatment network" pilot program shall not exceed two years, from January 1, 2004; and

Whereas, the "in-line-of-duty medical treatment network" pilot program established by the Metropolitan Employee Benefit Board commenced on March 1, 2004 and is scheduled to end on January 1, 2006; and

Whereas, the Metropolitan Employee Benefit Board has determined that the term of the "in-line-of-duty medical treatment network" pilot program should be extended for an additional year; and

Whereas, it is deemed to be in the best interest of the Metropolitan Government to extend the "in-line-of-duty medical treatment network" pilot program for an additional year, through January 1, 2007.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That Section 3.24.020(D) of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is hereby amended by deleting the following language:

Coverages for members shall be both occupational and nonoccupational, but coverages for dependents shall be nonoccupational only. If the board determines that it is financially feasible, the board is authorized to establish a panel of preapproved medical providers to furnish treatment for in-line-of-duty injuries, to be known as the "in-line-of-duty medical treatment network." The board is authorized to conduct a pilot in-line-of-duty medical treatment network for a period of up to two years while continuing to allow coverage of occupational injuries under the medical benefit program. At the end of the pilot period, which shall not exceed two years, from January 1, 2004, the pilot program shall terminate and the board will determine whether to continue the network. Should the board determine to continue the in-line-of-duty medical treatment network, then medical care benefits will no longer cover occupational injuries. Any in-line-of-duty medical treatment network shall be established in conformity with Section 13.12 of the Charter of the metropolitan government.

and substituting in lieu thereof the following language:

Coverages for members shall be both occupational and nonoccupational, but coverages for dependents shall be nonoccupational only. If the board determines that it is financially feasible, the board is authorized to establish a panel of preapproved medical providers to furnish treatment for in-line-of-duty injuries, to be known as the "in-line-of-duty medical treatment network." The board is authorized to conduct a pilot in-line-of-duty medical treatment network for a period of up to three years while continuing to allow coverage of occupational injuries under the medical benefit program. At the end of the pilot period, which shall not exceed three years, from January 1, 2004, the pilot program shall terminate and the board will determine whether to continue the network. Should the board determine to continue the in-line-of-duty medical treatment network, then medical care benefits will no longer cover occupational injuries. Any in-line-of-duty medical treatment network shall be established in conformity with Section 13.12 of the Charter of the metropolitan government.

Section 2. That this ordinance shall take effect from and after its final passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Amanda McClendon, Mike Jameson

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Introduced:	November 1, 2005
Passed First Reading:	November 1, 2005
Referred to:	Budget & Finance Committee Personnel Committee
Passed Second Reading:	November 15, 2005
Passed Third Reading:	December 6, 2005
Approved:	December 8, 2005
By: