TWCC Posts Rule-Making Projects on Web Site

The current status of rule-making projects by the Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission has been added as a regular page on the Commission’s Web site at: http://www.twcc.state.tx.us/rules/planning/ruleschart.html.
Projects on the Web page extend through the Fall of 2005. The page will enable workers’ compensation system participants and other interested parties to follow the development of rules by the Commission. Current projects include rules related to fee guidelines for dental services and ambulatory surgical centers as well as for overall medical services. Also in the works is a rule to require workers’ compensation insurance carriers to inform policyholders of the availability of return-to-work coordination services, in conjunction with accident prevention services.

The Web page includes links to pre-proposal drafts of rules and deadlines for public comments on the drafts. Comments on pre-proposal drafts are welcomed by the Commission but are not considered official public comment. Under state law, all rules formally proposed by the Commission must be published in the Texas Register for public comment before final adoption.

“Our staff uses a number of planning tools to keep the rule-making process on track,” said Acting Executive Director Robert L. “Bob” Shipe. “Our goal is to share our planning tools with system participants and to let them know the direction that the Commission is heading in the future.”

The information on the new Web page will be updated as rules are developed and acted upon by the Commission and as the Legislature enacts new laws. For more information on Commission rules, visit the Web site at www.twcc.state.tx.us and click on “Rules” at the top of the home page.