(a) If the carrier, having received written notice of a compensable lost time injury as provided in Texas Civil Statutes, Article 8306, § 18a, is not timely paying compensation, or ceases the payment of such benefits, the board shall set the claim for a prehearing conference on the first available docket.

(b) If a Texas Civil Statutes, Article 8306, § 18a penalty (18a penalty) appears due, initiation or reinstatement of compensation shall not be grounds for cancellation of a prehearing conference set under this section. However, the board may waive the claimant's appearance at the prehearing conference upon request.

(c) In the event a dispute arises over the suspension of medical benefits as defined in these board rules, a health care provider may file with the board a written request to attend a prehearing conference, as a party and participant therein, and in such event the health care provider shall attend the prehearing conference, either in person or by a representative. In the request, the health care provider shall certify the charges have been itemized and that timely reports have been made in accordance with Texas Civil Statutes, Article 8306, § 7, and these board rules.

The provisions of this § 61.15 adopted to be effective November 11, 1983, 8 TexReg 4497; amended to be effective December 13, 1989, 14 TexReg 6280.