Bill > SB186

This bill extends the Workers' Compensation Providers Accreditation Program until September 1, 2036, making several technical changes to the existing law. The bill modifies the definition of "physician" for accreditation purposes, clarifying that being licensed does not automatically confer accreditation, and allows health-care professionals listed in utilization standards to receive Level I accreditation. It removes previous language that specifically included dentists, podiatrists, and chiropractors in the physician definition and updates the statutory references. The bill also includes a fiscal appropriation of $123,933 to the Department of Labor and Employment's Division of Workers' Compensation for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with funds allocated for 1.6 additional full-time equivalent (FTE) employees and operating expenses. Additionally, the legislation updates the sunset review process for the accreditation program, pushing back the repeal date and ensuring continued oversight of health-care providers in the workers' compensation system. The bill will take effect after the standard 90-day legislative period, with a potential referendum process that could require voter approval in the November 2026 election.