This appeal arises pursuant to the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act, TEX. LAB. CODE ANN. § 401.001 et seq. (1989 Act). A contested case hearing was held on August 20, 2003. With respect to the issue before her, the hearing officer determined that the preponderance of the evidence is contrary to the decision of the Independent Review Organization and that the proposed cervical surgery is medically necessary. In its appeal, the appellant (self-insured) asserts error in the hearing officer’s determinations. The appeal file does not contain a response from the respondent (claimant) to the self-insured’s appeal.
DECISION
Reversed and remanded.
Section 410.203(a)(1) requires the Appeals Panel to consider the record developed at the hearing. See Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission Appeal No. 93809, decided October 25, 1993. The hearing was recorded on two audiotapes, which are inaudible. Accordingly, we remand this case for reconstruction of the record. See Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission Appeal No. 960968, decided July 3, 1996.
Pending resolution of the remand, a final decision has not been made in this case. However, since reversal and remand necessitate the issuance of a new decision and order by the hearing officer, a party who wishes to appeal from such new decision must file a request for review not later than 15 days after the date on which such new decision is received from the Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission’s Division of Hearings, pursuant to Section 410.202, which was amended June 17, 2001, to exclude Saturdays and Sundays and holidays listed in Section 662.003 of the Texas Government Code in the computation of the 15-day appeal and response periods. See Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission Appeal No. 92642, decided January 20, 1993.
The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is STATE OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT (a self-insured governmental entity) and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is
For service in person the address is:
RON JOSSELET, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
STATE OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT
300 W. 15TH STREET
WILLIAM P. CLEMENTS, JR. STATE OFFICE BUILDING, 6TH FLOOR
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701.
For service by mail the address is:
RON JOSSELET, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
STATE OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT
P.O. BOX 13777
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711-3777.
Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge
CONCUR:
Gary L. Kilgore – Appeals Judge
Margaret L. Turner – Appeals Judge