2 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REPORTED IN HOUSEcompared with INTRODUCED IN HOUSE (May 1, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The only change between v1 and v2 is the addition of 'of 2025' to the short title of the Act in Section 1. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill's provisions.

H.R. 3170119th CongressIntroduced May 1, 2025

Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act of 2025

Reported To HouseGovernment Operations and PoliticsSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5]
Committees: Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
Last action: Dec 4, 2025

Bottom line

This bill expands the types of healthcare professionals whose services are covered under federal workers' compensation, aiming to improve access to care for injured federal employees.

What it actually does

This bill amends the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) to include physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) as eligible healthcare providers whose services are covered for injured federal workers. It expands the definition of 'physician' to include these 'other eligible providers' and makes conforming changes throughout the relevant chapter of title 5, United States Code, ensuring that federal employees can seek and receive covered treatment from PAs and NPs within their state-defined scope of practice.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue that this bill modernizes the Federal Employees' Compensation Act to reflect contemporary healthcare delivery models, where physician assistants and nurse practitioners play crucial roles in providing care. They contend that expanding the pool of eligible providers will improve access to timely medical treatment for injured federal workers, especially in rural or underserved areas, potentially leading to faster recovery and return to work.

Opponents contend

Opponents might raise concerns about the potential for increased costs to the federal workers' compensation program due to an expanded pool of providers, or the administrative complexities of integrating varying state-defined scopes of practice into a federal system. While generally viewed as an access improvement, some might argue for maintaining a physician-centric model for oversight in complex workers' compensation cases.

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for a very quick and thorough understanding of its provisions and implications.

Section 2(a) and 2(b) of the bill, amending Section 8101 and Chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code.

Inclusion of Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners in FECA Coverage

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision amends the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) to explicitly recognize physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) as 'other eligible providers' for workers' compensation purposes. This means that services provided by PAs and NPs to injured federal workers, when rendered within the scope of their practice as defined by State law, will be covered under FECA. The bill includes conforming amendments to ensure these providers are integrated into various sections related to treatment authorization, medical examinations, and claims processing.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupInjured Federal WorkersImpactIncreased access to medical care, potentially reduced wait times for appointments, and greater choice of providers.MechanismFederal law formally recognizes PAs and NPs as eligible providers for covered services.ScaleBroad, affecting all federal employees eligible for FECA benefits nationwide.

GroupPhysician Assistants and Nurse PractitionersImpactExpanded recognition of their professional roles within the federal healthcare system and potential increase in patient volume from federal employees.MechanismInclusion in federal statute as 'other eligible providers' for workers' compensation.ScaleNational, for PAs and NPs treating federal employees.

GroupFederal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) ProgramImpactPotential increase in claims volume or a shift in provider utilization, requiring administrative adjustments.MechanismBroader definition of covered healthcare providers.ScaleProgram-wide.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this change modernizes FECA to reflect current healthcare practices where PAs and NPs are integral to patient care. It will improve timely access to necessary medical treatment for injured federal workers, particularly in areas with physician shortages, thereby facilitating quicker recovery and return to work and potentially reducing long-term disability costs.

Critics contend

Critics might express concern that expanding the pool of eligible providers could lead to increased costs for the FECA program, either through a higher volume of claims or potentially different treatment patterns. Some may also argue that while PAs and NPs are highly skilled, the existing system focused on physicians ensures a certain standard of care or oversight that could be diluted, especially for complex occupational injuries.

Tradeoffs

The bill balances the goal of improving access to care for injured federal workers with potential implications for the administrative and financial management of the FECA program. It also navigates the evolving roles of PAs and NPs within the broader healthcare system, requiring federal recognition while deferring to state-level scope of practice definitions.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.