Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act

Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act of 2023

This bill expands the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants in providing services to injured federal workers under the federal workers' compensation program.

Specifically, under the program, nurse practitioners and physician assistants acting within the scope of their practice may (1) prescribe or recommend treatment for injured federal workers; (2) certify the nature of an injury and probable extent of disability; (3) provide prescribed treatment for injured federal workers; and (4) participate, with a physician designated by the Department of Labor, in a mandatory workers' compensation examination of an injured worker. In general, only physicians may fulfill these roles under current law.

Bill 118 s 131, also known as the Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act of 2023, aims to make it easier for federal employees who are injured on the job to access workers' compensation benefits. The bill was introduced in the Senate in 2023.

The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Expanding the definition of "injury" to include mental health conditions: The bill recognizes that federal employees can suffer from mental health conditions as a result of their work, and ensures that they are eligible for workers' compensation benefits if they are diagnosed with a mental health condition related to their job. 2. Streamlining the claims process: The bill aims to simplify the process for federal employees to file workers' compensation claims by reducing bureaucratic red tape and making it easier for injured workers to navigate the system. 3. Ensuring timely access to benefits: The bill includes provisions to ensure that injured federal workers receive timely access to the benefits they are entitled to, including medical treatment and wage replacement. 4. Providing support for injured workers: The bill includes provisions to provide support services for injured federal workers, such as vocational rehabilitation and job training, to help them return to work as quickly as possible. Overall, the Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act of 2023 seeks to improve the workers' compensation system for federal employees, making it easier for them to access the benefits they need after being injured on the job.