NCC supports bill to improve access to worker’s compensation care

AONL and 56 other organizations comprising the Nursing Community Coalition urged the House of Representatives to pass the Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act (H.R. 618). The bipartisan bill would update the federal workers’ compensation program by permitting nurse practitioners to diagnose and oversee the care and treatment for injured or sick federal employees under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. Federal employees can select an NP as their health care provider, and the majority of states authorize NPs to provide the diagnosis and treatment for a workplace-related injury. However, FECA requires a physician to diagnose the injury and oversee the patient’s treatment and care, hindering timely access and continuity of care for the nation’s two million federal workers. (NCC letter, 9/20/24)