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Texas Labor Code - Section 402.021. Goals; Legislative Intent; General Workers' Compensation Mission Of Department

Legal Research Home > Texas Lawyer > Labor Code > Texas Labor Code - Section 402.021. Goals; Legislative Intent; General Workers' Compensation Mission Of Department

§ 402.021. GOALS;  LEGISLATIVE INTENT;  GENERAL WORKERS' 
COMPENSATION MISSION OF DEPARTMENT.  (a) The basic goals of the 
workers' compensation system of this state are as follows:
		(1)  each employee shall be treated with dignity and 
respect when injured on the job; 
		(2)  each injured employee shall have access to a fair 
and accessible dispute resolution process; 
		(3)  each injured employee shall have access to prompt, 
high-quality medical care within the framework established by this 
subtitle;  and 
		(4)  each injured employee shall receive services to 
facilitate the employee's return to employment as soon as it is 
considered safe and appropriate by the employee's health care 
provider. 
	(b)  It is the intent of the legislature that, in 
implementing the goals described by Subsection (a), the workers' 
compensation system of this state must:
		(1)  promote safe and healthy workplaces through 
appropriate incentives, education, and other actions;
		(2)  encourage the safe and timely return of injured 
employees to productive roles in the workplace;
		(3)  provide appropriate income benefits and medical 
benefits in a manner that is timely and cost-effective;
		(4)  provide timely, appropriate, and high-quality 
medical care supporting restoration of the injured employee's 
physical condition and earning capacity;
		(5)  minimize the likelihood of disputes and resolve 
them promptly and fairly when identified;
		(6)  promote compliance with this subtitle and rules 
adopted under this subtitle through performance-based incentives;
		(7)  promptly detect and appropriately address acts or 
practices of noncompliance with this subtitle and rules adopted 
under this subtitle;
		(8)  effectively educate and clearly inform each person 
who participates in the system as a claimant, employer, insurance 
carrier, health care provider, or other participant of the person's 
rights and responsibilities under the system and how to 
appropriately interact within the system;  and
		(9)  take maximum advantage of technological advances 
to provide the highest levels of service possible to system 
participants and to promote communication among system 
participants.
	(c)  This section may not be construed as:                                     
		(1)  creating a cause of action;  or                                          
		(2)  establishing an entitlement to benefits to which a 
claimant is not otherwise entitled by this subtitle.
	(d)  As provided by this subtitle, the division shall work to 
promote and help ensure the safe and timely return of injured 
employees to productive roles in the workforce. 

Amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 265, § 1.0065, eff. Sept. 1, 
2005.  

Last modified: August 10, 2007