Texas DWC Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Rules

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) Division of Workers’ Compensation is accepting public comment on proposed rules.

All proposed rules may be viewed on the TDI Web site at www.tdi.state.tx.us/wc/indexwc.html under “Rules” and public comment on proposed rules can be submitted to the Division in several ways:

–Using the Comment Forms found at www.tdi.state.tx.us/wc/indexwc.html under “Rules” and then “Proposed Rules for Comment”;
–E-mailing comments to RuleComments@tdi.state.tx.us; or
–Mailing or delivering written comments ATTN: Kristi Dowding, Legal Services, MS-4D, Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation, 7551 Metro Center Drive, Suite 100, Austin, Texas, 78744-1609.

The proposed rules were published in the Feb.3, 2006, issue of the Texas Register, and all public comment on these rules must be received by 5 p.m. on March 6, 2006.

Chapter 126 – General Provisions Applicable To All Benefits
Rule 126.5 – Entitlement and Procedure for Requesting Required Medical Examinations (Amendment)
Rule 126.6 – Required Medical Examination (Amendment)
Rule 126.7 – Suspension of Temporary Income Benefits Based On the Opinion of a Carrier-Selected Required Medical Examination Doctor (Repeal)
Rule 126.7 – Designated Doctor Examinations: Requests and General Procedures (New)
Rule 126.14 – Treating Doctor Examination to Define the Compensable Injury (New)

Chapter 130 – Impairment and Supplemental Income Benefits
Subchapter A Impairment Income Benefits
Rule 130.2 – Certification of Maximum Medical Improvement and Evaluation of Permanent Impairment by the Treating Doctor (Amendment)
Rule 130.5 – Impairment Income Benefits (Repeal)
Rule 130.6 – Designated Doctor Examinations for Maximum Medical Improvement and/or Impairment Ratings (Amendment)

Subchapter B – Supplemental Income Benefits
Rule 130.110 – Return to Work Disputes During Supplemental Income Benefits; Designated Doctor (Repeal)

Chapter 133 – Medical Billing and Processing
Subchapter G – Electronic Medical Billing, Reimbursement, and Documentation
Rule 133.500 – Electronic Formats for Electronic Medical Bill Processing (New)
Rule 133.501 – Electronic Medical Bill Processing (New)

Chapter 180 – Monitoring and Enforcement
Subchapter B – Medical Benefit Regulation
Rule 180.21 – Division Designated Doctor List (Amendment)
Rule 180.22 – Health Care Provider Roles and Responsibilities (Amendment)
Rule 180.28 – Peer Review Requirements, Reporting, and Sanctions (New)