What Providers Need to Know - Archived Updates
June 3, 2026
Historic change to increase injured workers' access to medical treatment
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.
Universal Authorization, which will take effect January 1, 2028, will allow every eligible licensed health care provider in good standing to treat New York's injured workers. No longer will the Board need to authorize those who wish to participate. Injured workers will be able to get care from their primary physicians or other providers they know and trust, as long as the provider is willing to treat them. This will be game-changing in terms of access to care, especially for rural areas and certain specialties where finding authorized providers has been difficult. For more information about universal authorization, visit 2026 State of the State Proposal: Universal Authorization.
Proposed amendments to Depositions regulation available for public comment until July 17
The Chair proposed revised amendments to Sections 301.1, 301.3, and 300.10 of Title 12 of the NYCRR to update the depositions process and fees. The public comment period is open until July 17, 2026.
Read more in Subject Number 046-1812.
NYS Workers' Compensation Board 2026 Conference
The Board is hosting a Conference on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, New York. This full-day program is targeted to all who have a professional interest in the New York State workers' compensation system. Multiple CMEs and CLEs will be available!
Full details on sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities can be found on the conference page on the Board's website. Additional conference information will be added as it becomes available. Email Outreach@wcb.ny.gov with any questions.
Read more in notification announcement - distributed via GovDelivery email dated June 1, 2026.
Updated process for requesting Board records
The New York State Workers' Compensation Board (Board) has updated the authorization process for unrelated parties-of-interest to request and receive Board records related to a claim. A new Case Copies Request Form (Form OC-RR) has been created to request specific records, and Claimant's Authorization to Disclose Workers' Compensation Records (Form OC-110A), used for requesting authorization, has been updated.
Read more in notification announcement - distributed via GovDelivery email dated May 11, 2026.
Adoption of amendments to Section 329-1.3 of Title 12 of the NYCRR (Billing Guidance for Residents and Fellows)
An amendment to Section 13-b of the New York State Workers' Compensation Law went into effect in 2025, extending the ability of residents and fellows (under the supervision of an authorized physician) to treat injured workers. The Chair has adopted the addition of a new subdivision (e) of section 329-1.3 of Title 12 of the NYCRR to help implement this law by providing guidance about billing procedures when services are provided by residents and fellows under the supervision of a New York State Workers' Compensation Board-authorized physician.
Read more in Subject Number 046-1804.
Webinar series: What Providers Need to Know
In February and May, the Board continued 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 anyone who missed it, a recording is available on our Recorded Webinars section of the website. Please watch for additional webinars throughout 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!
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 opens external website 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 opens external 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.
To receive notifications from the Board straight to your inbox, subscribe for Board updates announcement - distributed via GovDelivery email.