Meeting Scheduled for Input From Texas Workers’ Comp Stakeholders

The Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workers’ Compensation announced it will hold a meeting on Nov. 14 to solicit input from stakeholders in the workers’ comp system regarding implementation of House Bill 7, the workers’ compensation reform bill passed by the 79th Legislature.

The Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation, Albert Betts, is required by H.B. 7 to develop and implement a strategic management plan for implementing the statutory goals of the bill, particularly goals established to encourage the safe and timely return of injured employees to productive work roles. The plan is scheduled for completion and release to the public by Jan. 31, 2006.

At the Nov. 14 meeting, stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide ideas for development of the strategic management plan. The meeting will take place 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 14, in Room 1.107 of the Workers’ Compensation Division at 7551 Metro Center Drive, Suite 100, in Austin.

The DWC has held previous stakeholder meetings to receive comments on specific rules under development for adoption. This meeting, by contrast, will allow discussion of a broad range of topics and will assist the Commissioner in setting the strategic direction of the DWC to carry out the Division’s mission, goals and legislative intent.

Those who are unable to attend the scheduled meeting may send comments to Chris Cook at chris.cook@tdi.state.tx.us.