TWCC Schedules Hearing on Proposed Rules

The Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission scheduled a public hearing for April 14, 2004. The Commission will take testimony on new and amended rules that were proposed at the Feb. 19 public meeting and published in the Texas Register on March 5.

The proposals may be viewed on TWCC’s Web site at www.twcc.state.tx.us. All public comments must be received by April 14 at 5 p.m. The public hearing will begin at 1 p.m.

The Commission will take testimony on the following rules:
·Chapter 134 Benefits – Guidelines For Medical Services, Charges, and Payments
·Rule 134.650 Prospective Review of Medical Care Not Requiring Preauthorization (new)
·Chapter 133 General Medical Provisions
·Rule 133.308 Medical Dispute Resolution by Independent Review Organization (amendment)
·Rule 133.309 Alternate Medical Necessity Dispute Resolution by Case Review Doctor (new)
·Chapter 134 Benefits – Guidelines For Medical Services, Charges, and Payments
·Rule 134.800 Required Billing Forms and Information (amendment)
·Rule 134.802 Insurance Carrier’s Submission of Medical Bills to the Commission (amendment)

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 (the intersection of Highway 71 and Riverside Drive).