Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this part, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Benefit dispute--A disputed issue arising under the Texas Workers' Compensation Act (Act) in a workers' compensation claim regarding compensability or eligibility for, or the amount of, income or death benefits.

(2) Benefit proceeding--A proceeding pursuant to the Act, Chapter 410, conducted by a presiding officer to resolve one or more benefit disputes. Benefit proceedings include benefit review conferences, benefit contested case hearings, appeals, and, after January 1, 1992, arbitration.

(3) Party to a proceeding--A person entitled to take part in a proceeding because of a direct legal interest in the outcome.

(4) Presiding officer--The division employee, or independent arbitrator, assigned to conduct a proceeding. Presiding officers include benefit review officers, administrative law judges, appeals panel judges, and arbitrators.

(5) Special accommodations--Individuals and equipment necessary to allow an individual who does not speak English or who has a physical, mental, or developmental handicap to participate in a proceeding. The term includes spoken language translators and sign language translators.

(6) Stipulation--A voluntary accord between parties to a benefit contested case hearing regarding any matter relating to the hearing that does not constitute an agreement, as defined by the Act, §401.011(3), or a settlement, as defined by the Act, §401.011(40).