What is the Return-to-Work pilot (RTW) program and when will it be available?
A. Research shows that small employers are less likely to have return-to-work programs for their injured workers, primarily due to a lack of resources. In an effort to provide additional resources to small Texas employers, HB 7 institutes a pilot program that will reimburse small employers (up to $2,500 per employer) for workplace modifications they make to accommodate an injured worker’s return to work. Non-governmental employers who employ at least two but not more than 50 employees, and have workers’ compensation insurance coverage will be eligible to participate in this program. The pilot program takes effect on January 1, 2006, and expires September 1, 2009. The operation of this pilot program will be determined by rules adopted by the Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation.
