TWCC to Hold Hearing on Proposed Rule Feb. 17

The Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission has scheduled a public hearing for Feb. 17, 2005. The Commission will take testimony on rule amendments that were proposed at the Jan. 20 public meeting. The proposed rules are scheduled to be published in the Texas Register on Feb. 4 and may be viewed on the Commission’s Web site at www.twcc.state.tx.us. All public comments must be received by Mar. 7 at 5 p.m.

The public hearing will be held in the Tippy Foster Room of the Commission’s central office location at 7551 Metro Center Drive, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78744-1609 (near the intersection of Highway 71 and Riverside Drive).

The public hearing will begin at 1:30 p.m. and the Commission will take testimony on the following rules:
Chapter 166 Workers’ Health & Safety – Accident Prevention Services
Rule 166.4 Required Accident Prevention Services
Rule 166.6 Exchange of Information for the Inspection
Chapter 102 Practices and Procedures – General Provisions
Rule 102.3 Computation of Time
Rule 102.4 General Rules for Non-Commission Communications
Rule 102.5 General Rules for Written Communication To and From the Commission
Chapter 134 Benefits – Guidelines For Medical Services, Charges and Payments
Rule 134.800 Required Billing Forms and Information
Rule 134.802 Insurance Carrier Medical Electronic Data Interchange to the Commission

Those persons interested in attending the public hearing may contact the Commission at (512) 804-4435 to confirm the date, time and location. The public hearing schedule is also available on the Commission’s Web site under “Commission Meetings.”

If planning to testify, submit 10 written copies of the oral testimony and handouts at the hearing. Visual aid equipment will not be available. Participants may be asked to limit oral presentations by providing a summary of their written testimony.

The Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission offers reasonable accommodations for persons attending meetings, hearings, or educational events, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Those requiring special accommodations may contact Idalia Cantu at (512) 804-4435 a minimum of two days prior to the hearing date.