Authorizes licensed clinical social workers to provide services to injured employees under workers' compensation coverage; establishes special authorization shall be provided by the clinical social work practice committee.
Summary
Bill A06785 amends the workers' compensation law to authorize licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) to provide care and treatment to injured employees, given a referral from an authorized physician. The bill establishes a framework for LCSWs to operate within the workers' compensation system, including requirements for record-keeping, reporting, and fee schedules determined by the chair of the board. It also outlines the process for LCSWs to gain authorization to provide services and conduct independent medical examinations, ensuring that they adhere to specific professional standards and regulations.
Impact
The bill expands the scope of professionals eligible to provide treatment under the workers' compensation system, potentially increasing access to mental health services for injured workers. It establishes a clinical social work practice committee to oversee the authorization process and ensure compliance with professional standards. This change may lead to more comprehensive care for injured employees, particularly in addressing mental health issues related to workplace injuries.
Sentiment
The sentiment around Bill A06785 appears to be generally supportive, as it aims to enhance the care available to injured workers by including LCSWs in the workers' compensation framework. However, the lack of recorded votes or committee discussions makes it difficult to gauge the full extent of support or opposition from various stakeholders.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the oversight and regulation of LCSWs within the workers' compensation system, particularly concerning the qualifications required for authorization and the potential for conflicts of interest. Stakeholders may have differing views on the adequacy of the proposed regulatory framework and the implications for both injured workers and employers.
Authorizes licensed clinical social workers to provide services to injured employees under workers' compensation coverage; establishes special authorization shall be provided by the clinical social work practice committee.
Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.
Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.
Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.
Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.