Bill > A05894

This bill amends the workers' compensation law to expand the definition of healthcare providers by explicitly including mental health practitioners with diagnostic authority. Specifically, the bill adds a new definition that identifies a "mental health practitioner" as an individual licensed under Article 163 of the education law who has met the requirements for diagnostic privilege as outlined in section 84801-a of the education law. By making this change, the bill ensures that mental health professionals who have been granted diagnostic privileges can be recognized as authorized providers under workers' compensation regulations, which could potentially improve access to mental health services for workers seeking compensation for work-related mental health conditions. The amendment broadens the existing list of providers, which previously included professionals like physicians, chiropractors, and psychologists, to now more comprehensively include mental health practitioners with specific diagnostic capabilities. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5894