New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced a series of legislative and regulatory reforms designed to improve access to medical treatment for injured workers. The proposed changes aim to streamline the authorization process for healthcare providers and expand the pool of available practitioners.
Governor Hochul’s office stated that the reforms address existing barriers to care. One key proposal involves revising the current authorization process, which currently requires medical providers to seek specific approval from the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB). Under the new plan, a wider range of licensed professionals would be automatically authorized to treat injured workers, cutting down on administrative hurdles.
Specifically, the governor’s proposal would allow physicians, chiropractors, podiatrists, psychologists, therapists, acupuncturists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and licensed clinical social workers to treat injured workers as soon as they receive their licenses. Currently, only about 10% of the medical providers licensed in New York have completed the steps necessary to be authorized by the WCB.
“Now, they wouldn’t have to; authorization would be automatic as part of their licensing,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. The proposed language is included in a Senate budget bill, S. 3005. In addition to the broader provider access, the bill would also permit physicians in residency or fellowship programs to treat injured workers under supervision.
Further, the proposed reforms include measures to address payment disputes. The governor is suggesting requirements for healthcare insurers to cover medical treatment even when claims are disputed. Additionally, the plan would allow workers’ compensation carriers to cover up to a year of medical treatment without formally accepting liability for the claim.
