Defines mental health practitioners with diagnostic authority for the purposes of providing services under the workers' compensation law; includes such practitioners as providers.
Impact
The enactment of A05894 is expected to significantly enhance the role of mental health practitioners in the treatment and management of workplace-related injuries and stress conditions. By establishing a clear definition and legal recognition of these practitioners, the bill facilitates a more holistic approach to employee care. This could lead to improved recovery outcomes and potentially lower long-term healthcare costs for employers by addressing mental health issues early through proper diagnosis and treatment.
Summary
Bill A05894 proposes amendments to New York's workers' compensation law, specifically focusing on the definition and inclusion of mental health practitioners with diagnostic authority within the framework of worker's compensation services. The bill aims to formally recognize these practitioners as providers under the existing workers' compensation system, thereby expanding access to mental health care for injured workers. The inclusion of licensed mental health professionals ensures that individuals requiring psychological support can receive necessary evaluations and treatments as part of their compensation claims.
Contention
While A05894 aims to improve mental health care accessibility for workers, there may be points of contention regarding the qualifications and oversight of practitioners included under this new definition. Stakeholders in the mental health field might express concerns over ensuring that only qualified professionals are included, particularly in relation to diagnostic authority. Additionally, discussions surrounding the adequacy of mental health services within the workers' compensation system could arise, as advocates for mental health care seek to ensure comprehensive support and coverage for mental health needs.
Same As
Defines mental health practitioners with diagnostic authority for the purposes of providing services under the workers' compensation law; includes such practitioners as providers.
Defines mental health practitioners with diagnostic authority for the purposes of providing services under the workers' compensation law; includes such practitioners as providers.
Adds licensed mental health counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists to the health and social services practitioners included under the health care proxy law, the family health care decisions act, and nonhospital orders not to resuscitate.
Requires course work or training in menopausal health for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, mental health practitioners, psychologists and social workers.
Defines "mental health clubhouse"; provides that the department of health, in consultation with the office of mental health, shall authorize Medicaid reimbursement for services provided by mental health clubhouses.
Directs the office of mental health to establish programs for the training and development of persons capable of providing coaching and support to individuals under treatment plans developed by licensed mental health practitioners, including but not limited to a process of issuing, either directly or through contract, credentials for qualified mental health associates.
Requires practitioners to discuss certain risks with a patient who is being prescribed a schedule II controlled substance or an opioid analgesic; requires the department of health to develop practitioner guidelines.
Expands the definition of mental health care provider for the purposes of the penal law; expands the conditions under which a person is deemed incapable of consent.
Includes delivery network company workers in the definition of "employee" for purposes of workers' compensation; provides that the employer of a network company deliver worker shall be a delivery network company.