Texas Law Streamlines Medical Benefits for Professionals in Injured Death Investigations

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), has recently adopted significant amendments to the Texas Administrative Code. These changes specifically address medical disputes related to workers’ compensation claims, as well as preauthorization, concurrent utilization review, and the voluntary certification of healthcare providers.

These amendments are crucial for implementing Texas Labor Code Section 504.057, which was introduced by House Bill (HB) 1306 during the latest legislative session. This new section mandates expedited medical benefits and accelerated medical dispute resolution for claims made by death investigation professionals who suffer serious bodily injuries while performing their job duties.

Under HB 1306, it is now required that death investigation professionals promptly inform the DWC and the independent review organization when a contested case hearing or appeal involves their status. This ensures that the unique circumstances surrounding their claims are adequately addressed and prioritized.

The DWC has adopted the rule without any changes to the proposed text. Notably, the department received only one written comment regarding the rule by the deadline of November 24, 2025. The effective date for this rule is set for January 29, marking a significant step forward in the management of medical disputes within the workers’ compensation framework.

Source: DWC

Topics
Texas

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), has recently adopted significant amendments to the Texas Administrative Code. These changes specifically address medical disputes related to workers’ compensation claims, as well as preauthorization, concurrent utilization review, and the voluntary certification of healthcare providers.

These amendments are crucial for implementing Texas Labor Code Section 504.057, which was introduced by House Bill (HB) 1306 during the latest legislative session. This new section mandates expedited medical benefits and accelerated medical dispute resolution for claims made by death investigation professionals who suffer serious bodily injuries while performing their job duties.

Under HB 1306, it is now required that death investigation professionals promptly inform the DWC and the independent review organization when a contested case hearing or appeal involves their status. This ensures that the unique circumstances surrounding their claims are adequately addressed and prioritized.

The DWC has adopted the rule without any changes to the proposed text. Notably, the department received only one written comment regarding the rule by the deadline of November 24, 2025. The effective date for this rule is set for January 29, marking a significant step forward in the management of medical disputes within the workers’ compensation framework.

Source: DWC

Topics
Texas