The Law is designed to modernize and improve the workers' compensation health care options available to injured workers. It is expected to bring thousands of new providers into the NYS Workers' Compensation system.

Prior to this law taking effect, only physicians, chiropractors, podiatrists, and psychologists were able to be authorized to treat injured workers. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, occupational therapists and physical therapists could treat injured workers, but only under the personal supervision of a Board-authorized provider.

To apply, medical providers need to:

1. Sign up to use the Medical Portal.
2. Complete the required training courses — training must be completed before the application can be submitted.
3. Fill out the New Provider Authorization Request online application, accessible on the Medical Portal, and submit it to the Board.
4. Physician Assistants must have their Board authorized supervising physician sign the Supervising Physician Affirmation form and attach the signed form to their application.

The new online application for authorization is now available to LCSWs, acupuncturists, PTs, OTs, NPs and PAs.

All authorization applications will be handled as expeditiously as possible.

New provider types, if authorized, can begin treating injured workers on January 1, 2020. Ancillary providers who currently treat must become authorized (or have an authorization application pending with the Board) to continue treating after January 1, 2020.

New and existing authorized providers, will be expected to re-register with the Board every two to three years, consistent with the renewal of their New York State license. This will help ensure the Board's records and public listings remain up-to-date.

New and existing authorized providers, will be expected to re-register with the Board every two to three years, consistent with the renewal of their New York State license. This will help ensure the Board's records and public listings remain up-to-date.

Yes, required training for new providers is available through the Medical Portal. You can also access introductory training on the NYS Workers' Compensation System in the resources section of this page.

To find an authorized and registered health care provider or IME, please use the Health Care Provider & IME Search.

While the PA may participate in the office visit, for the initial treatment in the office (even if it is a referral), the supervising physician must submit the report of treatment offering an opinion on causal relationship and diagnosis.

Providers authorized by the NYS Workers' Compensation Board (Board) to treat injured workers who wish to cease treating injured workers shall submit a signed letter of resignation to the Board together with a transition plan to ensure continuity of care for injured workers under their care. The transition plan shall list all injured workers under the provider's care, together with the authorized provider(s) who will be assuming injured workers' care. This transition plan shall include the following:

• Injured worker's name
• Injured worker's address
• Employer
• Date of accident
• Board case number
• Insurer and insurer case number
• Name of the provider with similar specialty and credentials who will be continuing injured worker's care.

The resignation letter and transition plan shall be sent to the Board's Medical Director's Office (MDO) at the address below at least thirty (30) days before the effective date of the provider's resignation. Whenever feasible, providers are encouraged to provide to the MDO and initiate a transition plan at least ninety (90) days prior to their resignation date. Failure to provide a transition plan may result in a provider's referral to the Office of Professional Medical Conduct or Office of the Professions, as appropriate, to investigate potential professional misconduct.

New York State Workers' Compensation Board
Medical Director's Office
150 Broadway, Suite 195
Menands, NY 12204

The resignation letter and transition plan may also be faxed to (518) 408-5599 or emailed to provider@wcb.ny.gov