SECTION 142.16. Decision

(a) After the record closes, the administrative law judge shall issue a decision on benefits. The decision shall:

(1) be in writing;

(2) include findings of fact and conclusions of law; a determination of whether benefits are due; and, if so, an award of benefits due; and

(3) be signed by the administrative law judge.

(b) On a form prescribed by the division the administrative law judge shall issue a separate written decision regarding attorney's fees and any matter related to attorney fees. A decision on income or medical benefits may include an interlocutory order at the discretion of the administrative law judge.

(c) No later than the tenth day after the close of the hearing, the administrative law judge shall file all decisions with the division.

(d) No later than seven days after filing the decision, the division shall furnish to the parties, by first class mail or personal delivery:

(1) a file-stamped copy of the decision; and

(2) a statement specifying the place, manner, and time period within which an appeal must be filed.

(e) A decision issued under this section shall be effective and binding on the date signed by the administrative law judge unless superceded by an interlocutory order contained in the decision, if any.

(f) A decision regarding benefits not appealed to the appeals panel, as provided by the Texas Labor Code, §410.202 and Chapter 143 of this title, becomes final on the sixteenth day after the date received from the division of hearings. Parties shall comply with a final decision or order within 20 days of the date it becomes final as provided by the Texas Labor Code, §410.208.

(g) A decision regarding benefits appealed to the appeals panel as provided by the Texas Labor Code, §410.202 and Chapter 143 of this title, is binding on the parties and payable during an appeal to the appeals panel unless superceded by an interlocutory order contained in the decision, if any.

(h) Parties shall comply with a decision regarding benefits appealed to the appeals panel that does not contain an interlocutory order by issuing and delivering payment of accrued and unpaid income benefits no later than the fifth day after filing a written request for appeal with the appeals panel as provided by the Texas Labor Code, §410.202, and Chapter 143 of this title.

(i) Payment of accrued and unpaid income benefits paid in accordance with a decision shall include interest pursuant to the Texas Labor Code, §408.064 and §408.081.

(j) Payment of medical benefits pursuant to a decision shall be made in accordance with Chapters 408 and 413 of the Texas Labor Code.

Source Note: The provisions of this §142.16 adopted to be effective February 12, 1991, 16 TexReg 467; amended to be effective May 10, 2000, 25 TexReg 3990; amended to be effective January 7, 2019, 44 TexReg 108