Enrolled Bill Summary

Senate Bill 1814	Senate Author:  Van de Putte
Effective:  6-19-09	House Sponsor:  Deshotel

            Senate Bill 1814 amends the Labor Code to replace the return-to-work pilot program for small employers participating in the workers' compensation system with the return-to-work reimbursement program for employers participating in the system, and authorizes the commissioner of workers' compensation by rule to expand eligibility to participate in the program to other types of employers. The bill increases from $2,500 to $5,000 the maximum amount of reimbursement for which an employer is eligible and authorizes the division of workers' compensation of the Texas Department of Insurance, under certain conditions, to provide an employer participating in an optional preauthorization plan for workplace modifications with an advance of up to $5,000. The bill requires the commissioner to adopt rules as necessary to implement provisions relating to the expanded program.

            Senate Bill 1814 specifies that the return-to-work coordination services an insurance carrier must provide to an employer to facilitate an injured employee's return to employment must be provided on an ongoing basis and requires that such services be provided on receipt of notice that an injured employee is eligible to receive temporary income benefits. The bill requires the insurance carrier to notify the employer of the availability of the return-to-work reimbursement program, rather than of return-to-work coordination services, and removes a requirement that insurance carriers and the division, in offering such services, target certain employers and workers. The bill specifies that case managers who perform evaluations of a compensable injury that could potentially result in lost time from employment are appropriately certified, rather than licensed to practice in Texas.