Subject Numbers Regarding Health Provider Authorizations
July 22, 2026
Please see May 2026 Newly Authorized Health Care ProvidersPDF for additions to the list of health care providers authorized to treat injured workers and/or perform independent medical examinations (IME) within the New York State workers' compensation system.
Pursuant to New York State Workers' Compensation Law § 13-b, no person shall treat injured workers or conduct IMEs under this chapter without such authorization by the Chair. Health care providers must be licensed and registered with the New York State Education Department in order to maintain their Workers' Compensation Board authorization(s).
Physicians, chiropractors, podiatrists, and psychologists may be authorized to treat injured workers and authorized to perform IMEs, or both. For these health care provider types, the authorization status is indicated by the "W," "I," or "B" at the end of the authorization number.
Physicians, chiropractors, podiatrists, and psychologists with an authorization number ending in "W" are authorized only to treat. Those with an authorization number ending in "I" are authorized only to perform IMEs, and those with an authorization number ending in "B" are authorized to treat and authorized to perform IMEs.
Authorized acupuncturists, nurse practitioners, licensed clinical social workers, physician assistants, physical therapists, and occupational therapists may treat injured workers but may not perform IMEs. Health care provider types are designated by the letter at the beginning of their authorization number as follows:
| Acupuncturists | Begins with "AC" |
| Chiropractors | Begins with "C" |
| Licensed Clinical Social Workers | Begins with "SW" |
| Nurse Practitioners | Begins with "N" |
| Occupational Therapists | Begins with "OT" |
| Physical Therapists | Begins with "PT" |
| Physicians | No letter designation |
| Physician Assistants | Begins with "PA" |
| Podiatrists | Begins with "P" |
| Psychologists | Begins with "S" |
To locate a currently authorized health care provider or independent medical examiner, you may search the Board's website here: NYS WCB - Health Care Provider Search.
Further information regarding Board authorized health care provider types may be found on the How to Become a NYS Workers' Compensation Board Authorized Provider page.
Any questions regarding the authorized lists should be referred to the Medical Director's Office at (800) 781-2362.
Freida D. Foster
Chair