(a) The carrier is solely liable to pay a provider for health care which is covered under the Act.

(b) The injured worker shall not be billed for covered health care, nor for any amounts in excess of the amount adjudicated as fair and reasonable. The injured worker shall not be billed for reports, handling fees, interest, or any other surcharge related to the covered health care. The provider shall not refer the injured worker to a collection agency or a retail credit organization.

(c) This section does not apply if the injured worker has received an excess recovery from a third party, pursuant to Texas Civil Statutes, Article 8307, § 6a, and § 42.60 of this title (relating to Excess Recovery from Third Party Actions.)

The provisions of this § 42.135 adopted to be effective October 20, 1988, 13 TexReg 4994.