Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
- Committees
- Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 14, 2026
Bottom line
The bill expands the types of healthcare professionals federal workers can consult for workers' compensation claims, aiming to improve access to care and streamline the claims process.
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 for injured federal workers. It ensures that services provided by PAs and NPs, within the scope of their practice as defined by State law, are covered under federal workers' compensation, allowing them to authorize treatment and conduct medical examinations.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill modernizes the FECA to reflect current healthcare practices, where PAs and NPs play crucial roles in primary and specialty care. They contend it will improve access to timely medical care for injured federal workers, especially in rural or underserved areas, potentially leading to faster recovery times and a quicker return to work, thereby reducing long-term disability costs.
Opponents contend
Opponents, if any, might raise concerns about a potential increase in federal workers' compensation costs due to expanded access to providers, although this is often balanced by arguments for improved efficiency and reduced long-term costs from faster recovery. Some might also question the scope of practice for PAs and NPs in complex injury cases, though the bill specifies adherence to State law.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 2(a)
Inclusion of Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners
This section amends Section 8101 of title 5, United States Code, which defines terms for federal workers' compensation. It adds 'other eligible provider' to the list of recognized healthcare professionals, explicitly defining this term to include nurse practitioners and physician assistants. This change means that services provided by these professionals, within the boundaries of their state-defined scope of practice, will be covered under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that recognizing PAs and NPs as eligible providers will significantly improve access to care for injured federal workers, particularly in areas with physician shortages. This aligns federal policy with modern healthcare delivery models and can expedite treatment and recovery.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision, as it primarily aims to expand access and align with existing healthcare practices. Potential concerns, if any, would be general budgetary impacts rather than the principle of inclusion.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension is between expanding access to care and potential increases in administrative or direct costs to the federal workers' compensation system. However, proponents argue that faster access to care can lead to quicker recovery and ultimately reduce long-term costs.
Section 2(b)
Conforming Amendments for Provider Services
This section makes several conforming amendments throughout Chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code. Specifically, it modifies sections 8103(a), 8121(6), and 8123(a) to ensure that 'other eligible providers' (PAs and NPs) are explicitly included wherever 'physician' is mentioned in relation to authorizing treatment, providing medical services, or conducting medical examinations for federal workers' compensation claims. This ensures their services are fully integrated into the existing legal framework.
Section 2(c)
Mandate for Regulatory Implementation
This provision directs the Secretary of Labor to finalize rules to carry out the amendments made by this Act within 6 months after the date of its enactment. This ensures that the new provisions regarding physician assistants and nurse practitioners are effectively implemented through official regulations, providing clear guidance for federal agencies, healthcare providers, and injured workers on how the expanded coverage will operate in practice.