State News : Texas

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Texas

STONE LOUGHLIN & SWANSON, LLP

  512-343-1385

There is talk of a push by the Division to scrutinize DD analysis letters that "exceed the intent of
Rule 127.10(a)(2)." Rule 127.10(a)(2) allows treating doctors and insurance carriers to send the
designated doctor an "analysis of the injured employee's medical condition, functional abilities, and
return-to-work opportunities." The Rule states that the analysis "may include supporting
information such as videotaped activities of the injured employee, as well as marked copies of
medical records," and the analysis "may only cover the injured employee's medical condition,
functional abilities, and return-to-work opportunities as provided in Labor Code §408.0041." (Labor
Code §408.0041 states that the treating doctor and the carrier may send the DD an "analysis of the
injured employee's medical condition, functional abilities, and return-to-work opportunities.") If
the carrier sends an analysis, a copy must be sent to the treating doctor, the claimant, and the
claimant's representative, if any. (Likewise, if a treating doctor sends an analysis, a copy must be
sent to the above parties, as well as the carrier.)
There is no indication as to what language, exactly, the Division interprets as "exceeding the intent"
of Rule 127.10(a)(2). We suspect, however, they may be looking at letters that advocate strongly
for a particular position, cite one-sided legal authority, and/or give instruction to the DD on how he
or she is supposed to opine. Word on the street is that the Division is already looking at samples of
letters it deems possible violators.More to come, surely. To that end, we recommend carriers (or vendors who send letters on their
behalf) review their DD analysis letters to ensure they are not running afoul of the intent of Rule
127.10(a)(2).