An ordinance amending Section 3.24.020 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to authorize the removal of the January 1, 2007 sunset date for 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, pensioners 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 three 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, 2007; and

Whereas, the Metropolitan Employee Benefit Board is still working on plan design issues for the "in-line-of-duty medical treatment network"; and

Whereas, the Metropolitan Employee Benefit Board has determined that removal of the January 1, 2007 sunset date for the "in-line-of-duty medical treatment network" pilot program would permit the Board to expend the appropriate time necessary to resolve plan design matters for the "in-line-of-duty medical treatment network".

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 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.

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. 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." 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: Rip Ryman

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Introduced:	November 21, 2006
Passed First Reading:	November 21, 2006
Referred to:	Budget & Finance Committee
Passed Second Reading:	December 5, 2006
Passed Third Reading:	December 19, 2006
Approved:	December 20, 2006
By: