DWC Adopts New DD Rules, Revises Related Forms
The Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation, Cassie Brown, has adopted a number of new rules and has revised three forms related to the designated doctor process. The adoption order amends a number of Chapter 127 Rules concerning designated doctor procedures and takes effect December 6, 2018. This means that carriers who request a DD on or after that date must do so using a revised DWC-32. The changes involved in the DWC-32 are significant and sometimes subtle.
FOL is fully prepared to implement the changes required by the new rules and forms.
The Commissioner’s adoption order was filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 15, 2018. It can be located in the October 26, 2018 issue of the Texas Register. When published, the adopted amendments may be viewed on the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/index.shtml. A courtesy copy of the adoption is available on the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) website at www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/rules/2018rules.html.
The Commissioner indicated that the amendments are designed to provide balance and transparency in the designated doctor assignment process, retain doctors qualified to perform examinations, ensure availability of doctors qualified to evaluate injured employees, clarify designated doctor qualification standards, and update certification requirements. Additionally, several non-substantive amendments are included throughout 28 TAC Chapter 127.
In conjunction with these adopted rules, Commissioner Brown simultaneously finalized revisions to the following division forms:
• DWC Form-032, Request for Designated Doctor Examination;
• DWC Form-068, Designated Doctor Examination Data Report; and
• Internal form, Presiding Officer’s Directive to Order a Designated Doctor Exam
If you have questions regarding the new DD forms, you can direct them to James Sheffield, Steve Tipton, or Bobby Stokes.
FOLIO
