DEFINITIONS.

In this subchapter:

(1) Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 , Sec. 4.465(a)(43), eff. April 2, 2015.

(2) "Health care provider" means a person, other than a physician, who:

(A) is licensed or otherwise authorized to provide a health care service in this state, including:

(i) a pharmacist, dentist, optometrist, mental health counselor, social worker, advanced practice nurse, physician assistant, or durable medical equipment supplier;

(ii) a pharmacy, hospital, or other institution or organization; or

(iii) a local public health entity;

(B) is wholly owned or controlled by:

(i) a health care provider or a group of health care providers described by Paragraph (A); or

(ii) one or more hospitals and physicians, including a physician-hospital organization;

(C) is a professional association of physicians organized under the Texas Professional Association Law, as described by Section 1.008, Business Organizations Code;

(D) is an approved nonprofit health corporation certified under Chapter 162, Occupations Code;

(E) is a medical and dental unit, as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, a medical school, as defined by Section 61.501, Education Code, or a health science center described by Subchapter K, Chapter 74, Education Code, that employs or contracts with physicians to teach or provide medical services, or employs physicians and contracts with physicians in a practice plan; or

(F) is another person wholly owned by physicians.

(3) "Managed care organization" has the meaning assigned by Section 540.0001, Government Code.

(4) "Managed care plan" has the meaning assigned by Section 540.0001, Government Code.

(5) "Participating provider" means a physician or health care provider who is a provider of medical assistance, including a physician or health care provider who contracts or otherwise agrees with a managed care organization to provide medical assistance under this chapter.

(6) "Physician" means an individual licensed to practice medicine in this state.

(7) "Recipient" means a recipient of medical assistance.