Bill > S04612

This bill amends the New York workers' compensation law to include licensed massage therapists as authorized healthcare providers for work-related injury treatment. Specifically, the bill adds massage therapists to the definition of "provider" and allows them to render care to an injured employee upon prescription or referral from an authorized physician, physician assistant, podiatrist, or nurse practitioner. To be considered an authorized massage therapist, an individual must be licensed and have completed a formal course of study and passed an examination in accordance with education law and regulations set by the commissioner of education and board of regents. While massage therapists can now provide treatment and maintain patient records, their records and reports cannot be used as evidence to establish the causal relationship between a condition and a work-related accident or to demonstrate disability. The changes will take effect 30 days after the bill becomes law, expanding the types of healthcare professionals who can provide treatment under workers' compensation.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4612