A1204A

The New York State Senate passed Assembly Bill 1204A, an act to amend the Workers' Compensation Law, on a roll call vote of 60-0. The bill expands workers' compensation coverage to include treatment services provided by occupational therapy and physical therapy assistants, addressing a severe care shortage particularly affecting injured workers in rural regions of the state. Currently, only occupational therapists and physical therapists are covered under workers' compensation insurance, while their fully licensed and supervised assistants are prohibited from providing care. Sen. Ramos, who shepherded the bill, credited former State Senator Tim Kennedy, now a U.S. Congressman and occupational therapist, with originally crafting the legislation. The measure takes effect 30 days after becoming law.