Texas House Bill HB3702

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the notice of rights provided to an injured employee under the Texas workers' compensation system.

Impact

This bill is significant in aligning the communications related to workers' compensation claims. By mandating that injured employees receive clear information about their rights, it seeks to empower them in navigating the often complex landscape of medical care and compensation entitlements. The requirement for standardized notices aims to enhance transparency and understanding among employees, which may ultimately lead to better health outcomes and satisfaction with the workers' compensation process.

Summary

House Bill 3702 amends the Texas Labor Code to enhance the notice of rights provided to injured employees under the state's workers' compensation system. The key provision requires the public counsel to adopt a detailed notice that outlines the rights and responsibilities of injured employees. This notice is to be distributed by the division in accordance with the rules set forth by the commissioner of workers' compensation. The bill emphasizes the right of injured employees to select their treating doctors across various medical disciplines, ensuring they are aware of their choices regarding medical treatment.

Contention

While the bill promotes the dissemination of information regarding employee rights, some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the adequacy of the notice and whether it sufficiently covers all necessary rights that employees should be entitled to. Another point of contention might center around the process by which these rights are communicated, including the clarity of the language and the accessibility of the information provided to diverse employee populations. Additionally, the implementation timeline, requiring the notice to be adopted by December 1, 2017, raises questions about the preparedness of the relevant agencies to meet this deadline and deliver on the bill's objectives.