Speaker Straus Releases Three Interim Study Topics on WC
Speaker Joe Straus assigned interim charges to Texas House committees Wednesday, formally launching preparations for the legislative session that will begin in January 2017. Three of the topics relate to Workers’ Compensation issues.
“The next legislative session is more than a year away, but the work of that session starts now,” said Speaker Straus, R- San Antonio. “While these assignments cover a wide variety of issues, they focus on three core priorities: supporting private-sector growth, creating opportunity through education, and continuing to make government more transparent and accountable.”
Many of the charges announced Wednesday were requested by Members of the House.
“I take my colleagues’ input very seriously,” Speaker Straus said. “It was important that these charges reflect not only issues that matter to me, but also those that matter to House Members. I expect some very good ideas to emerge from the robust discussions that I hope committees will have over the next year.”
Among the workers’ compensation issues highlighted in the House’s interim charges are:
House Business and Industry Committee
? Study the following aspects of the designated doctor process in the Texas workers’ compensation system:
the Division of Workers’ Compensation’s (DWC’s) processes for educating, monitoring, and evaluating designated doctors;
whether the DWC requires additional authority to regulate designated doctors or entities providing services for designated doctors; and
any unique issues with “traveling” designated doctors.
? Examine the adequacy of benefits for injured employees in the Texas workers’ compensation system who qualify for Lifetime Income Benefits, and for the beneficiaries of employees who receive Death Benefits. In particular, examine the application of benefit caps for those benefit types and the termination of Death Benefits to surviving spouses on remarriage.
House Committee on Insurance
? Review current statutory provisions regarding the prosecution of workers’ compensation insurance fraud. Examine ways to maintain or enhance fraud prosecution while ensuring a fair process for all parties involved.
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