Defines mental health practitioners with diagnostic authority for the purposes of providing services under the workers' compensation law; includes such practitioners as providers.
Summary
S06912 amends the New York Workers' Compensation Law to add a new definition of "mental health practitioner" for purposes of the law's provider provisions. Under the bill, a mental health practitioner is an individual licensed under Article 163 of the Education Law who has met the diagnostic privilege requirements in Education Law section 8401-a. The bill also updates the existing definition of "provider" to expressly include mental health practitioners alongside other licensed health care professionals such as physicians, psychologists, nurse practitioners, and social workers authorized by the chair.
The practical effect is to recognize certain licensed mental health professionals as eligible providers in the workers' compensation system when they have diagnostic authority. The bill takes effect immediately and would therefore apply as soon as enacted, affecting how injured workers may access mental health-related services and how those services are treated under workers' compensation administration.
Impact
This bill would amend section 13-b of the Workers' Compensation Law to expand the statutory list of recognized providers by adding mental health practitioners with diagnostic privilege. It ties that new category to existing Education Law licensing and diagnostic authority requirements, thereby incorporating those standards into workers' compensation practice. The change could affect claimants, employers, insurers, and the Workers' Compensation Board by broadening the pool of professionals whose services may be considered under the system.
Sentiment
The available record suggests generally favorable or noncontroversial treatment of the bill. It was introduced, amended, and recommitted after committee discharge, but there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes indicating opposition, debate, or divided sentiment. The bill's narrow scope and technical nature suggest it was viewed as a targeted clarification rather than a major policy shift.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of concern, if raised, would likely involve whether expanding the provider definition could increase workers' compensation costs, affect utilization of mental health services, or alter administrative oversight. However, the record does not show any identified opponents or disputed provisions.
Same As
Defines mental health practitioners with diagnostic authority for the purposes of providing services under the workers' compensation law; includes such practitioners as providers.
Defines mental health practitioners with diagnostic authority for the purposes of providing services under the workers' compensation law; includes such practitioners as providers.
Adds licensed mental health counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists to the health and social services practitioners included under the health care proxy law, the family health care decisions act, and nonhospital orders not to resuscitate.
Requires course work or training in menopausal health for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, mental health practitioners, psychologists and social workers.
Provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners; authorizes the use of the title "licensed school psychology practitioner" to licensed or exempt individuals; defines practice of licensed school psychology practitioners; sets forth requirements for professional licensure (including educational attainment, experience, exam and fee); provides for issuance of limited permits under specified circumstances; identifies exempt persons.
Directs the office of mental health to establish programs for the training and development of persons capable of providing coaching and support to individuals under treatment plans developed by licensed mental health practitioners, including but not limited to a process of issuing, either directly or through contract, credentials for qualified mental health associates.
Requires practitioners to discuss certain risks with a patient who is being prescribed a schedule II controlled substance or an opioid analgesic; requires the department of health to develop practitioner guidelines.
Requires practitioners to discuss certain risks with a patient who is being prescribed a schedule II controlled substance or an opioid analgesic; requires the department of health to develop practitioner guidelines.
Defines "mental health clubhouse"; provides that the department of health, in consultation with the office of mental health, shall authorize Medicaid reimbursement for services provided by mental health clubhouses.