A new bill introduced in the New York State Senate proposes to streamline oversight of podiatrists, chiropractors, and psychologists who treat injured workers under the state’s workers’ compensation system.
Senate Bill 8240, sponsored by Senator Ramos at the request of the Workers’ Compensation Board, was introduced on May 27, 2025, during the 2025-2026 legislative session. The legislation aims to amend the workers’ compensation law by removing what it calls “parallel processes” for the authorization of certain healthcare providers.
The bill proposes the repeal of existing statutory provisions that establish separate practice committees for podiatry, chiropractic, and psychology. These committees currently advise on rules and review matters related to provider participation. Under the bill, that responsibility would rest solely with the chair of the Workers’ Compensation Board.
In particular, the bill repeals subdivisions and paragraphs relating to the podiatry practice committee (§13-k), the chiropractic practice committee (§13-l), and the psychology practice committee (§13-m). Provisions detailing committee composition, compensation, and restrictions on member employment are also removed.
What remains is the requirement that the chair prepare and establish fee schedules for podiatric, chiropractic, and psychological care. The bill maintains that provider associations—such as the New York State Podiatric Medical Association, the New York State Chiropractic Association, and the New York State Psychological Association—may still be asked to submit reports recommending appropriate remuneration for services rendered. These recommendations would be considered alongside views from other interested parties.
The bill also amends sections of the law to reflect gender-neutral language and updates terminology, such as replacing “workmen’s compensation” with “workers’ compensation.”
The proposed changes do not affect injured employees’ right to choose authorized providers, nor do they alter the conditions under which care must be escalated to a physician. It also keeps intact the employer’s liability for fees according to the Board’s established schedules.
The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.