1. (a) The office, through the ombudsman program, may appear before the commissioner, division, or State Office of Administrative Hearings to provide assistance to an individual injured employee during:

   1. (1) a workers' compensation administrative dispute resolution process; or
   2. (2) an enforcement action by the department or division against an employee for a violation of the Texas Workers' Compensation Act.
2. (b) This chapter may not be construed as requiring or allowing legal representation for an individual injured employee by an office attorney or ombudsman in any proceeding.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 265 (H.B. 7), Sec. 3.016, eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1261 (H.B. 673), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.