DWC Provides its Biennial Report to the Texas Legislature

In November 2024, DWC provided its biennial report to the 89^th (2025) legislature. You can find the full 17-page report here:
https://www.tdi.texas.gov/reports/dwc/documents/2024dwcbienlrpt.pdf

Commissioner Nelson explains that the report provides “an update on the Texas workers’ compensation system and briefly describes legislative recommendations that I believe will improve the state’s ability to effectively and efficiently regulate the workers’ compensation system.”

In his introduction to the report, the commissioner indicates that “[i]n the upcoming biennium, DWC’s goal is to continue modernizing operations by harnessing technology to reduce administrative burdens for all system participants and agency staff. This involves implementing user-friendly digital solutions to improve stakeholder interactions, accelerate dispute resolution, and promote seamless internal coordination across various program areas.”

He further notes the following “key trends”:

In the designated doctor arena, the report notes that since last year the number of designated doctors in the system has increased 38%. Among other reasons the report cites “[reduction of] administrative burdens related to training and testing requirements, simplify billing, and increase reimbursement rates for DDs and doctors with maximum medical improvement and impairment rating certifications.”

Legislative priorities include allowing contested case hearings (CCHs) by videoconference upon agreement of the parties, and removing references to the expired Approved Doctors List from the Texas Labor Code.