DWC Adopts HB 1306 Rule on Workers’ Compensation Claims for Death Investigation Professionals

Kara Mace, DWC General Counsel, announced earlier this month that DWC has adopted amendments to DWC Rules 133.240, 133.250, 133.305, 133.308, and 134.600, concerning medical disputes for workers’ compensation claims and preauthorization, concurrent utilization review, and voluntary certification of health care.

The amendments are necessary to implement Texas Labor Code Section 504.057, which was added by House Bill (HB) 1306, 89th Legislature, Regular Session (2025). HB 1306 added Labor Code Section 504.057, which requires expedited medical benefits and accelerated medical dispute resolution for claims for medical benefits by a death investigation professional who sustains a serious bodily injury in the course and scope of employment, and requires that the death investigation professional inform DWC and the independent review organization that a contested case hearing or appeal involves a death investigation professional.

DWC adopted the rule without changes to the proposed text. DWC received one written comment on the rule by the November 24, 2025, deadline. The rule will be effective on January 29, 2026.

The rule will be published in the January 23, 2026, issue of the Texas Register and available at www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/index.shtml once published. DWC will also post a copy of the rule on the DWC website at www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/rules/2026rules.html.