The Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) proposed amendments to replace the Fourth Edition of the American Medical Association (AMA) Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, in use since 2000, with the Sixth Edition (2025).

If adopted, the change would apply to examinations conducted on or after January 1, 2028 (tentative) and is intended to align impairment ratings with current medical knowledge and evidence-based practices.

The proposed transition would require significant operational and system changes for the DWC, making it important to monitor the rulemaking process as it progresses. To support implementation, the DWC will hold a stakeholder presentation on August 12, 2026, to review the project timeline and discuss training, testing, and other potential changes.

Written comments on the informal working draft may be submitted to RuleComments@tdi.texas.gov through 5:00 PM CT on August 13, 2026.