New Texas Law Expedites Medical Benefits for Injured Death Investigation Professionals

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) adopted amendments to the Texas Administrative Code, concerning medical disputes for workers’ compensation claims and preauthorization, concurrent utilization review, and voluntary certification of health care.

The amendments are necessary to implement Texas Labor Code Section 504.057, which was added by House Bill (HB) 1306, passed during the most recent legislative session.

HB 1306 added Labor Code Section 504.057, which requires expedited medical benefits and accelerated medical dispute resolution for claims for medical benefits by a death investigation professional who sustains a serious bodily injury in the course and scope of employment, and requires that the death investigation professional inform DWC and the independent review organization that a contested case hearing or appeal involves a death investigation professional.

DWC adopted the rule without changes to the proposed text. DWC received one written comment on the rule by the November 24, 2025, deadline. The rule will be effective on January 29.

Source: DWC