Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Modernize Federal Workers’ Compensation Program  

Bill Would Authorize PAs, NPs to Provide Treatment to Federal Workers Injured on the Job

December 3, 2021

By Tate Heuer, Vice President, Federal Advocacy

Modernizing the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) to cover services provided to injured federal workers by PAs has been a priority for AAPA for many years – which is why this week’s introduction of the bipartisan Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act is something for PAs to celebrate!

Under current policy, federal employees are unable to receive treatment from PAs and NPs for care provided through federal workers’ compensation following injuries sustained on the job. This overly burdensome and outdated restriction has no basis in best medical practices, increases costs unnecessarily, and limits access to healthcare for federal employees.

AAPA and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners worked together with Congressional champions on the introduction of legislation to correct this unreasonable restriction. Our gratitude goes out to the lead bill sponsors, Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT-02) and Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI-07) for their commitment to improving healthcare access for federal employees.

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AAPA President and Chair of the Board Jennifer M. Orozco stated in the press release announcing the introduction of the bill, “The American Academy of PAs thanks Rep. Joe Courtney and Rep. Tim Walberg for their dedication and commitment to improving health care access for federal employees. By introducing the Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act, their critical legislation would expand access to high-quality, cost-effective healthcare delivered by PAs and will ensure PAs are recognized under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Program to diagnose medical conditions, certify injury and extent of disability, and oversee patient treatment and care. The current policy excludes PAs from this program and creates an outdated, overly burdensome barrier that reduces access to care for approximately 2 million federal employees.”

On Thursday, Rep. Courtney had the opportunity to speak in favor of the legislation before the relevant subcommittee of the House Education and Labor Committee. AAPA federal advocacy staff will continue to reach out to Members of Congress to build support for the legislation.

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