Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act of 2025

H.R. 3170 would amend the Federal Employees' Compensation Act to expand which healthcare providers can treat federal workers injured on the job. Currently, only physicians can diagnose, treat, and certify injuries for federal workers' compensation claims. This bill would add state-licensed physician assistants and nurse practitioners to the list of eligible providers, allowing injured federal employees to receive care from these professionals.

Proponents argue the change would improve access to care, particularly in rural areas where physicians may not be readily available. They contend that faster access to treatment could help injured workers return to their jobs more quickly. The bill has bipartisan support and passed out of the House Education and Workforce Committee in December 2025, making it eligible for a full House floor vote. If enacted, the bill would modernize federal workers' compensation rules to align with current healthcare delivery practices, where nurse practitioners and physician assistants increasingly provide primary care across the country.