New law expands medical providers authorized to treat injured workers in N.Y.

New provider types, if authorized, can begin treating injured workers on Jan. 1, 2020. (Credit: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock)

As part of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2019-2020 budget, a new law was passed expanding the types of medical providers that can be authorized to treat injured workers in the New York State workers’ compensation system.

Effective Jan. 1, 2020, licensed clinical social workers, nurse practitioners and acupuncturists, as well as current ancillary providers, including physician assistants, occupational therapists and physical therapists may apply to become a Board-authorized provider. Prior to this law taking effect, only physicians, chiropractors, podiatrists and psychologists were able to be authorized to treat injured workers. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, occupational therapists and physical therapists could treat injured workers, but only under the personal supervision of a Board-authorized provider.