Senators Collins, Blumenthal Introduce AAPA Priority Bill to Improve Federal Workers’ Access to Injury Compensation
December 3, 2025
U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have introduced the Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act – a key federal priority for AAPA. Senate introduction of this bill is an important goal achieved through this year’s Leadership and Advocacy Summit.
Currently, federal employees are unable to receive treatment from PAs and nurse practitioners (NPs) for care provided through the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) following injuries sustained on the job. The legislation would correct this overly burdensome and outdated restriction that has no basis in best medical practice, increases costs unnecessarily, and limits access to healthcare for federal employees.
The bipartisan bill is the Senate companion to H.R. 3170, which was introduced by U.S. Reps. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Joe Courtney (D-CT).
“The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) applauds Senators Collins and Blumenthal for championing this commonsense legislation,” said AAPA President Todd Pickard, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, FASCO in the senators’ joint press release.
“Too many federal workers still face outdated barriers that delay or deny the care they need when they get injured on the job. With more than 190,000 PAs practicing nationwide and delivering high-quality care across every specialty, the reintroduction of this bill is an important step toward modernizing our system and ensuring federal employees can get timely, expert care without unnecessary roadblocks.”
The complete text of the bill can be read here.
PA Advocates can contact members of Congress to urge their support through AAPA’s Action Center.
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