Sec. 404.002.  ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE; ADMINISTRATIVE ATTACHMENT TO TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION.  (a)  The office of injured employee counsel is established to represent the interests of workers' compensation claimants in this state.
(b)  The office is administratively attached to the department but is independent of direction by the commissioner, the commissioner of insurance, and the department.
(c)  The department shall provide the staff and facilities necessary to enable the office to perform the duties of the office under this subtitle, including:
(1)  administrative assistance and services to the office, including budget planning and purchasing;
(2)  personnel services; and
(3)  computer equipment and support.
(d)  The public counsel may enter into interagency contracts and other agreements with the commissioner of workers' compensation and the commissioner of insurance as necessary to implement this chapter.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 265 (H.B. 7), Sec. 3.016, eff. September 1, 2005.