S.6666 (Amedore) / A.2023-A (Bronson)

STAFF CONTACT :

Director of Government Affairs
518-694-4462

BILL

S.6666 (Amedore) / A.2023-A (Bronson)

SUBJECT

Authorizes the Care and Treatment of Injured Employees by Duly Licensed or Certified Acupuncturists Under the Workers' Compensation Program

DATE

Oppose

The Business Council opposes S.6666 (Amedore) / A.2023-A (Bronson) which would require the comp system to include treatment by yet another group of providers and mandating that employers and insurers pay for the services of duly licensed or certified acupuncturists under the Workers' Compensation Law.

The adoption of objective medical treatment guidelines for injured workers that identify specific medical treatments that are considered appropriate and effective has been a significant undertaking and one that The Business Council hopes will bring not only the best care to injured workers but will provide that care in cost-effective manner.

This bill would greatly broaden the scope and breadth of the services provided under the comp system. There is little doubt that this bill would lead to proliferation of acupuncture treatment under the comp system and will significantly increase costs for employers, at a time when reducing the costs of an extraordinarily expensive system should be a priority. To impose legislatively-determined treatment and provider status contradicts the purpose of the development and implementation of evidence-based medical treatment guidelines and would undermine extensive work done by the Board

The Business Council respectfully opposes S.6666 (Amedore) / A.2023-A (Bronson) as contrary to the purpose of recently introduced evidence-based medical treatment guidelines and cost-effective treatment goals.