DWC Continues Move to Adopt IAIABC Release 3.1 Claims Reporting Standards

The Division of Workers’ Compensation is taking further steps toward the adoption of IAIABC Release 3.1 as the Texas claims reporting standard. The agency announced it has informally proposed amendments to Rules to a number of rules to accomplish this task.

Recently DWC staff evaluated the most recent standards for collecting claim information to see which is most suitable for claims electronic data interchange. By rule, DWC uses the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions  reporting standards, specifically Release 1. DWC has been using this standard since 1994. IAIABC recently updated to Release 3.1. The Division proposes to move to this more recent standard.

According to the Division, adoption of release 3.1 would:

      • provide the update DWC needs;
      • replace an outdated claims EDI standard that the IAIABC no longer updates; and
      • align the claims EDI standard in Texas with the standard used in other states.

To implement Release 3.1 claims reporting standards, DWC must formally adopt amended rules. DWC posted an informal version of these rule amendments in November 2020. The Division received feedback from system participants, which were incorporated into the proposed amendments.

The Division has specifically requested comments on the rules text as well as the technical tables. System stakeholders have been asked to mail their comments to RuleComments@tdi.texas.gov. Comments and survey responses must be filed by 5 p.m., central time, on Monday, June 21, 2021. Interested parties may also mail or deliver comments to:

Cynthia Guillen
Legal Services, MC-LS
Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation
7551 Metro Center Drive, Suite 100
Austin, Texas 78744-1645

DWC is also requesting additional feedback from insurance carriers, trading partners, and claim administrators through a survey on the cost and time frame needed to comply with the new data collection standard. Respondents may remain anonymous. Those interested in providing these comments can complete a survey at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/SB9D6LR.