Coronavirus (COVID-19) -– Suspension of a provision of Health and Safety Code and a DWC rule related to workers’ compensation

Home Bulletins Commissioner bulletins – 2020 B-0019-20 April 10, 2020 To:   All Texas workers’ compensation system participants Re:   Coronavirus (COVID-19) -– Suspension of a provision of Health and Safety Code and a DWC rule 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 working diligently to help system participants and protect the health and safety of the public in our response to COVID-19. Governor Abbott suspended Health and Safety Code Section 81.050(j) and 28 Texas Administrative Code Section 122.3(c) regarding 10-day testing requirements. As symptoms of COVID-19 exposure may take over 10 days to manifest, strict compliance with these laws could prevent, hinder, or delay state efforts to provide workers’ compensation coverage for emergency responders This bulletin is in effect for the duration of the governor’s COVID-19 declaration, or until further notice from DWC. Please continue to follow the CDC’s recommendations, and refer to the DWC COVID-19 resource page for updates, FAQs, and contact information. Cassie Brown Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation For more information, contact: Webmaster@tdi.texas.gov Last updated: 4/17/2020