An act to amend the workers’ compensation law, in relation to authorizing the care and treatment of injured employees by duly licensed social workers.

Synopsis:
This proposed legislation adds a new section to the workers’ compensation law wherein a licensed master social worker or a licensed clinical social worker are authorized to provide care and treatment for injured employees under the workers’ compensation program.

By including licensed social workers as authorized providers, this legislation greatly increases access to services in rural and low-income communities, where psychiatrists and psychologists may not be available.

Status:
This bill was referred to the Labor Committee of the Assembly on 1/9/2008 and there has been no further action.

Summary of Provisions:

• An LMSW or LCSW can provide services and treatment to injured employees.  
• A social work practice committee will be established to handle claims of misconduct by a social worker providing services under workers’ compensation. This committee will present a report and recommendations to the workers’ compensation committee chair regarding any claims investigated.  The workers’ compensation committee chair has no requirement to act on the recommendations or report of the social work practice committee.
• A social worker can file an application with the social work practice committee to be included on a list of eligible providers.
• Regulations for the reimbursement of a social worker for services related to a workers’ compensation claim are outlined.

NASW-NYS Position:
NASW-NYS has issued a Memorandum in Support of this bill.  The passage of this bill would increase access to mental health services for New York State residents.