TX DWC Announces Recent Enforcement Actions

Austin, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - Commissioner of Workers' Compensation Rod Bordelon recently announced final disciplinary actions taken by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI-DWC). The final actions include orders related to violations of the Texas Labor Code and rules promulgated by the Commissioner of Workers' Compensation.  Commissioner's orders are subject to appeal to state district court within 30 days after being issued.

FINAL DISCIPLINARY ORDERS FEBRUARY 2010 (alphabetical order)

Driggs, Guy Jr. M.D. of Irving
Order Number: DWC-10-0011
Date of Order:  2/26/2010
Order Final In:   February
Action Taken:  Fined $6,000; Suspended from designated doctor list for four months; Must not modify appointment location matrix for four months; After four-month suspension, must limit locations of designated doctor appointments to specific counties for one year
Violation:  Failed to timely and properly file reports of medical evaluations

Jones, Audrey Lee M.D. of Alamo
Order Number: DWC10-0010
Date of Order:  2/26/2010
Order Final In:   February
Action Taken:  Ordered not to renew designated doctor certification
Violation:  Failed to timely file DWC Form-69 (six instances)

King, Jeff Alan D.C. of Garland
Order Number: DWC-100008
Date of Order:  2/22/2010
Order Final In:   February
Action Taken:  Fined $12,000; Must maintain proper records/documentation and adhere to compliance plan
Violation:  Failed to timely and properly file reports of medical evaluations

Lifland, Paul D. M.D. of Eagle Pass
Order Number: DWC-100005
Date of Order:  2/16/2010
Order Final In:   February
Action Taken:  Fined $1,500; Suspended from designated doctor list for 30 months;.
Violation:  Failed to file reports of medical evaluations and failed to respond in a timely manner to requests for clarification from TDI-DWC

Lopez, Alejandro M.D. of Alice
Order Number: DWC-10-0004
Date of Order:  2/16/2010
Order Final In:   February
Action Taken:  Agreed to withdraw as a health care provider in the workers' compensation system and to discontinue providing services or billing for services in the workers' compensation system
Violation:  Failed to timely and properly file reports of medical evaluations

Steele, John G. M.D. of San Antonio
Order Number: DWC-100009
Date of Order:  2/22/2010
Order Final In:   February
Action Taken:  Fined $2,000; Suspended from designated doctor list for six months; Must provide TDI-DWC with compliance plan; Must not modify appointment location matrix for six months
Violation:  Failed to timely file reports of medical evaluations; Failed to timely reschedule designated doctor examinations

Villarreal, Luis F. M.D. of Laredo
Order Number: DWC-100006
Date of Order:  2/16/2010
Order Final In:   February
Action Taken:  Agreed to not reapply for designated doctor certification for one year
Violation:  Consent order alleged that failed to timely file reports of medical evaluations; Failed to timely respond to requests for letters of clarification; Failed to timely make contact with injured employee to reschedule designated doctor appointments; Failed to timely notify TDI-DWC of rescheduled designated doctor appointment; Failed to timely reschedule designated doctor appointments

Xeller, Charles F. M.D. of Dallas
Order Number: DWC-100007
Date of Order:  2/22/2010
Order Final In:   February
Action Taken:  Suspended from designated doctor list for one year; Must maintain current appointment location matrix; Must maintain proper records/documentation and adhere to TDI-DWC compliance plan

Violation:  Failed to timely and properly file reports of medical evaluation; Failed to respond in a timely manner to requests for clarification from TDI-DWC; Failed to timely reschedule a designated doctor appointment. 

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