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Texas Department of Insurance
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Commissioner’s Bulletin # B-0012-20

March 27, 2020


To:   All Texas workers’ compensation system participants

Re:   Coronavirus (COVID-19) -– Suspension of Certain Provisions of the Labor Code and DWC Rules Related to Workers’ Compensation


On March 13, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott declared COVID-19 a statewide public health disaster. The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) is monitoring the latest developments on COVID-19 and the recommended social distancing measures as we consider the potential impact it may have on the delivery of benefits in the Texas workers’ compensation system.  This bulletin is in effect for the duration of the governor’s COVID-19 declaration, or until further notice from DWC.

Governor Abbott approved DWC’s request to suspend the following requirements: 

  • work search compliance standards for supplemental income benefits under Labor Code Section 408.1415(a) and 28 Texas Administrative Code Section 130.102(d);
  • testing, training, and application requirements for designated doctor and maximum medical improvement and impairment rating recertification under 28 TAC Sections 127.110(b)(1) and (3), 127.110(d), and 180.23; and
  • required medical exams under 28 TAC Section 126.6(a).

As this issue evolves, DWC will continue to evaluate system and agency operations. If system participants are experiencing issues, contact DWC. Please refer to the DWC COVID-19 resource page for updates and follow the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendations.

For more information, please use the contact information below.

Health care providers
compconnection@tdi.texas.gov
800-252-7031, Option 3

Employers
healthsafety@tdi.texas.gov
800-687-7080
512-804-4600

Hearings
512-804-4010

Questions from the media
DWCCommunications@tdi.texas.gov

Injured employees
800-252-7031, Option 1

Report a safety or health hazard
800-452-9595
safetyhotline@tdi.texas.gov

All other questions
DWCExternalRelations@tdi.texas.gov

Cassie Brown
Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation
Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation



For more information, contact: PropertyCasualty@tdi.texas.gov

Last updated: 8/16/2022