DWC Adopts Rule Requiring Utilization Reviewers to Be in Same Specialty

The Texas Division of Workers' Compensation gave final approval to a rule requiring utilization review and peer review doctors to be in the same or similar specialty as the treating physician. The rule was needed to comply with Senate Bill 1742, which became law in 2019, and aligns the definition of “appropriate credentials” with the statutory requirements, the DWC said in a notice. “An insurance carrier, independent review organization or utilization review agent must determine on a case-by-case basis whether a physician reviewer’s credentials are consistent...