Return-to-Work Patterns and Programs for Injured Workers Covered by Texas Workers' Compensation Insurance

Abstract

Researchers al the Center for the Study of Human Resources conducted exploratory research on return-to-work (RTW) patterns and programs for injured workers covered by workers' compensation in Texas. This study was requested by the Legislature in passing the Texas Workers' Compensation Act of 1989. Several different methodologies were utilized in this research. including: descriptive statistical analysis of agency records for individual workers' compensation claimants provided by the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission and the Texas Department of Insurance, matched to their employment and earnings information from the Texas Employment Commission; mail/telephone surveys of RTW programs/services offered by employers, insurance carriers and private rehabilitation providers; case studies of selected RTW efforts; and focus groups with RTW participants. ; Texas Workers Compensation Research Center ; Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources