Recognition of Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners in the Federal Workers' Compensation Act

H.R. 5063, the Recognition of Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners in the Federal Workers' Compensation Act, would expand the legal definition of a "physician" under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act to include nurse practitioners and physician assistants. This change would allow these healthcare professionals to officially certify disabilities and provide medical care for federal employees seeking workers' compensation benefits. For federal workers, this bill aims to improve access to timely care and simplify the claims process by allowing them to be treated by their primary care providers rather than requiring a signature from a medical doctor.