3 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Jul 20, 2026)

Technical corrections only. The change between v2 and v3 reflects the bill's procedural progression from being engrossed in the House to being received and referred in the Senate. There are no substantive policy changes to the text of the bill itself.

H.R. 8823119th CongressIntroduced May 14, 2026

Putting Patients First by Strengthening Provider Accountability in FECA Act

Passed HouseGovernment Operations and PoliticsSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7]
Committees: Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
Last action: Jul 21, 2026

Bottom line

H.R. 8823 empowers the Secretary of Labor to stop payments to medical providers convicted of fraud within federal or state workers' compensation and health care systems, aiming to protect federal employees and taxpayer funds.

What it actually does

This bill amends the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) to grant the Secretary of Labor the authority to suspend payments to medical providers. This suspension applies if a provider has been convicted of fraud related to FECA, any federal health care benefit program, or similar state programs. The Secretary is required to promulgate regulations to implement this new authority, and the amendments will take effect 180 days after the bill's enactment.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue this bill is a crucial step to safeguard the integrity of the Federal Employees' Compensation Act program and protect federal employees from fraudulent medical providers. By allowing the suspension of payments to providers convicted of fraud, it ensures that taxpayer money is not used to compensate individuals who have abused public trust and exploited healthcare systems. This measure enhances accountability, deters fraudulent activities, and ultimately puts patients first by removing bad actors from the system.

Opponents contend

Critics might argue that while the intent to combat fraud is laudable, the bill grants broad discretionary power to the Secretary of Labor without explicit due process protections for providers beyond the initial fraud conviction. Concerns could be raised about the potential for administrative overreach or the impact on providers who may have committed fraud in unrelated, minor state programs, potentially leading to disproportionate penalties. Some might also suggest that existing mechanisms are sufficient or that the bill could inadvertently delay care if the pool of available providers is significantly impacted by suspensions.

The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core purpose and provisions quickly.

Section 2(a) amending 5 U.S.C. 8103(c)

Authority to Suspend Payments to Fraudulent Providers

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision grants the Secretary of Labor the power to stop making payments to medical providers who furnish services, appliances, or supplies under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA). This suspension authority is triggered if the provider has been convicted of fraud related to FECA, any other federal health care benefit program, or any similar state program. The Secretary is mandated to create regulations to govern this suspension process.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupMedical providers serving federal employeesImpactPotential suspension of payments and exclusion from the FECA program.MechanismDirect administrative action by the Secretary of Labor following a fraud conviction.ScaleAffects any provider convicted of fraud in specified programs.

GroupFederal employees receiving FECA benefitsImpactIncreased protection from fraudulent providers, potentially improved quality of care, but also potential for reduced provider choice if many are suspended.MechanismRemoval of fraudulent providers from the system.ScaleSystem-wide improvement in trust and accountability.

GroupTaxpayersImpactReduced financial losses due to fraud in the FECA program.MechanismPrevention of payments to fraudulent entities.ScalePotential for significant savings over time.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this provision is essential for protecting the integrity of the FECA program and ensuring that federal funds are not diverted to fraudulent actors. It provides a necessary tool for the Secretary of Labor to act decisively against providers who have demonstrated a pattern of deceit, thereby safeguarding both federal employees and taxpayer dollars.

Critics contend

Some might argue that while combating fraud is important, the scope of fraud convictions that trigger suspension (including any federal health care benefit program or similar state program) could be overly broad. Concerns could be raised about potential due process issues or the impact on providers whose fraud convictions might be minor or unrelated to FECA services, leading to an overly punitive system.

Tradeoffs

The bill balances the need for robust fraud prevention and accountability within federal programs against potential concerns about administrative discretion and the breadth of conditions that trigger payment suspension. It aims to protect public funds and beneficiaries while potentially impacting the pool of available providers.

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.