What Providers Need to Know - Archived Updates
April 2, 2026
Governor Hochul fighting for historic change to increase injured workers' access to medical treatment
Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing new legislation to allow any eligible licensed medical provider in good standing to treat workers' compensation patients.
Today, most provider disciplines must be Board-authorized to treat injured workers. Of the more than 200,000 eligible providers statewide, only about 10 percent have taken the steps to become Board-authorized, which significantly limits access to care, especially in rural areas. Under the Governor's proposal, authorization would be automatic as part of a health care provider's state licensing. Injured workers would be able to seek treatment from a provider of their choice (potentially even their own primary care physician), if the provider is willing to treat them.
For more information about the universal authorization proposal, visit 2026 State of the State Proposal: Universal Authorization.
Give your feedback on the Governor's proposal to increase injured workers' access to health care through universal authorization. Your input may be made public on our page and social media. Write to publicinfo@wcb.ny.gov to share your thoughts.
Read more in the Press Release dated March 17, 2026.
New discipline-specific webpages
Each discipline-specific web page is organized to give providers quick, role-specific information about Board authorization requirements and scope of practice.
These pages delve into treatment standards under the New York Medical Treatment Guidelines (MTGs), telehealth rules and required in-person visit intervals, where applicable. These webpages show which prior authorization requests (PARs) each discipline can submit, billing requirements, including information on CMS-1500 electronic submission as well as direct links to training, webinars, and additional provider resources.
Access the new discipline-specific pages via the Board's Who Can Treat page. We will be updating the pages over time, so check back!
New inbox for health care provider feedback
The Board has also established a new email for provider feedback, giving you a direct and convenient way to share your experiences, concerns, and suggestions: HCPFeedback@wcb.ny.gov
Note this email account is different from the providers@wcb.ny.gov email that health care providers can use for help with specific issues, or to reply to credentialling and or compliance-related communications.
Whether you have input or questions regarding Board processes, training resources, or ideas for how we can improve your overall provider experience, your feedback is extremely valuable to us, and we want to hear from you.
Your submissions may be shared with appropriate internal teams to review and address trends or reoccurring concerns. Individual responses will be provided when follow-up is requested, and contact information is included.
Use HP1.0 process for CMS-1500 electronic submission offset billing disputes
Under the Board's CMS-1500 electronic submission mandate, providers may offset the cost of each electronic CMS-1500 bill submission, up to a maximum of one dollar, by using CPT code 99080. Payers who do not pay the offset may be subject to penalties from the Board.
Effective March 31, 2026, if a bill for services is paid (in full or in part) but the offset is not, providers may file a Request for Decision on Unpaid Medical Bill(s) (Form HP-1.0).
Read more in notification dated February 26, 2026.
Faxed claim-related form submissions (including IME reports) no longer accepted as of April 1, 2026
In January, the New York State Workers' Compensation Board (Board) announced that effective April 1, 2026, faxed submissions of claim-related documents will no longer be accepted. This includes independent medical examination (IME) reports.
Read more in notification dated March 12, 2026.
Webinar series: What Providers Need to Know
The Board is pleased to continue our webinar series for health care providers who treat New York State's injured workers. The sessions cover legislative and regulatory updates, recent and planned improvements, and more. For those who were unable to attend the February session, you can view the recording on our Recorded Webinars section of the website.
The next provider webinar is scheduled for May 12, 2026. Read more in notification dated January 27, 2026 or visit the Upcoming Webinars page on our website to register.
We want to hear from you!
The Board is committed to keeping stakeholders informed of important Board news, policy and program updates, system enhancements, and best practices to improve your experience.
Are you happy with the information you receive via WCB Notifications, or do you have suggestions on how we can improve? We want your feedback! Please share your thoughts through this brief, three-minute survey:
WCB Notifications Satisfaction Survey
Reminders
- Electronic submission of the CMS-1500 form is mandatory. Visit the CMS-1500 initiative page for more details and send your questions to CMS1500@wcb.ny.gov.
- Interested in treating injured workers? If you are interested in applying for Board authorization to treat injured workers, the process is easy and is done online. Read more about becoming authorized on the Board's website.
- The What Providers Need to Know section of the Board's website features a one-stop-shop that walks health care providers through getting started in the workers' compensation system, treating injured workers, billing for services, and more.
- Visit the Board's website for OnBoard training guides, webinar recordings, and other resources.
- Efficiency Enhancements is a quarterly bulletin with tips and best practices on using Board systems, processes, and forms in the most efficient, effective manner. Sign up to receive these, and other updates, straight to your inbox.
- The latest versions of several Paid Family Leave presentations are available, including family care, foster care/adoption, military leave, and bonding. Visit the Paid Family Leave website for more information.
Stay informed!
Check out Recorded Webinars for health care providers on the Board's website. Health Care Providers Recorded Webinars web page for past webinars.
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