As we know Texas is a model state for work comp legislature so what happens in Texas can impact the nation. The Texas Workers’ Compensation Research and Evaluation Group has released its 2017 research agenda, a blueprint for its efforts to provide critical data for decision-makers in the Texas workers’ compensation system.
Preliminary projects for the Fiscal Year 2017 Research Agenda include:
1. Completion of the 11th edition of the Workers’ Compensation Health Care 2017 Network Report Card.
2. Evaluation of use and cost patterns of compound drugs.
3. Analysis of adequacy of workers’ compensation income benefits.
4. An update on the 2003 impact of work-hardening/work conditioning programs. These are rehabilitation programs that help employees restore their physical abilities and get back to work.
1. Completion of the 11th edition of the Workers’ Compensation Health Care 2017 Network Report Card.
2. Evaluation of use and cost patterns of compound drugs.
3. Analysis of adequacy of workers’ compensation income benefits.
4. An update on the 2003 impact of work-hardening/work conditioning programs. These are rehabilitation programs that help employees restore their physical abilities and get back to work.
The research group was under the Texas Department of Insurance, but became part of TDI’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) in January, enhancing DWC’s efforts to make the Texas workers’ compensation system more efficient, transparent, and proactive.
Let’s face it, compound drugs and work rehab program are high ticket items often over utilized or abused, income benefits are often the goal for some, so these are area’s that can make a big compact on claims. “Good data is essential in our decision making to improve the workers’ compensation system,” said Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation Ryan Brannan. “We’re already a model for other states, and the work of the research group has always been an important part of our efforts. We’ll continue to leverage their expertise, and take things up a notch wherever we can.”
Source: Texas Department of Insurance