S6217

The New York State Senate passed legislation to modernize the workers' compensation system, with the bill winning approval on a 60-0 vote. Senate Print 6217, sponsored by Sen. Fernandez, raises the preauthorization limit for medical treatment from $1,000 to $1,500 for the first time in years, addressing inflation in healthcare costs. The measure also clarifies that medical treatment guidelines are intended to streamline care rather than function as automatic denial mechanisms, and restores injured workers' access to out-of-network providers while maintaining cost controls through negotiated rates. Sen. Fernandez argued the changes are essential to fulfill the workers' compensation system's original promise of swift and certain benefits to injured workers and their families. She noted that medical costs have risen substantially while the preauthorization cap remained stagnant, creating unnecessary delays for routine tests and procedures. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

The New York State Senate passed S6217, sponsored by Sen. Fernandez, an act to amend the Workers' Compensation Law. The bill received 58 affirmative votes and was approved without recorded debate. The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment.