September 2023
## Texas Government Relations Update
## Your Input Requested on DWC's Proposed 2024 Research Agenda
ARAWC Members,The Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation is now accepting comments on the proposed 2024 research agenda for the Workers’ Compensation Research and Evaluation Group.
The current proposed research agenda for 2024 includes:
- Completion and publication of the 17th Edition of the Workers’ Compensation Health Care Network Report Card (required under Insurance Code §1305.502(a)- (d) and Labor Code §405.0025(b)).
- An update of the 2022 biennial study to estimate employer participation in the Texas workers’ compensation system.
- An update of key workers’ compensation system trends to meet the requirements for the DWC Biennial Report required under Labor Code §402.066, including medical costs and utilization of care, return-to-work rates for injured employees, access to care for injured employees, and medical dispute resolution trends.
- Income benefit adequacy in the Texas workers’ compensation system.
- An update of medical costs and utilization in the Texas workers’ compensation system. Call To Action:
ARAWC strongly encourages you to respond to the Texas DWC’s request for comments.
The comment period closes at 5pm CST on October 16, 2023.
Comments or hearing requests can be emailed to RuleComments@tdi.texas.gov.
Comments or requests can also be mailed to: DWC Legal Services, MC-LS, Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation, PO Box 12050, Austin, TX 78711-2050.