South Michigan News

Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT) have introduced the Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to amend the Federal Employees Compensation Act, allowing injured federal workers to receive treatment from state-licensed physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). Currently, federal law restricts these workers from being treated by PAs and NPs for compensation cases.

"In a time where we want the federal government to be operating as effectively as possible, this bill is common sense," stated Rep. Walberg. He highlighted that many federal workers experience delays in receiving care due to a lack of approved providers nearby, particularly in rural areas. "Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are a critical component to filling this provider gap," he added.

Rep. Courtney emphasized the significance of the bill for federal employees who currently cannot visit licensed NPs and PAs for workplace injuries. "Our bill would tweak FECA to enable NPs and PAs to certify workers’ claims, get reimbursed, and help federal employees get healthy and get back on the job sooner," said Courtney.

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), represented by President Stephen A. Ferrara, expressed support for the bill. “This legislation will allow injured federal employees to continue to receive care from their chosen health care provider when they are injured at work by authorizing an NP to certify the workplace injury or illness,” Ferrara stated.

Congressman Walberg serves as Chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee. More information about his congressional work can be found at walberg.house.gov.