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

1. (1) Act--The Texas Workers' Compensation Act, as specified in the Act, §§401.001 et seq.
2. (2) APA--The Administrative Procedure Act, as specified in the Government Code, Chapter 2001.
3. (3) Commission--The Texas Workers' Compensation Commission.
4. (4) Commission Representative--The attorney or representative designated by the executive director of the commission to represent the commission.
5. (5) Hearing Officer--The administrative law judge (ALJ) designated by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) to preside over the hearing.
6. (6) Party--A person including the commission entitled to take part in a proceeding because of a direct legal interest in the outcome.
7. (7) Petitioner--The person who has filed a written request for a hearing in accordance with these procedures.
8. (8) Respondent--The person responding to the petitioner's request for a hearing.
9. (9) SOAH--The State Office of Administrative Hearings.

Source Note:The provisions of this §148.2 adopted to be effective December 4, 1995, 20 TexReg 9706.