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

S. 3296 would expand who counts as a treating medical provider under the federal workers' compensation program (chapter 81 of title 5, U.S. Code). It amends the Federal Employees' Compensation Act to add nurse practitioners and physician assistants as "other eligible providers," alongside physicians, allowing their services to be covered and recognized in the claims process — including selecting a treating provider, resolving disputes between government and treating providers by adding an additional provider's opinion, and other procedural steps that currently reference "physician." The Secretary of Labor would have six months after enactment to issue final regulations implementing the changes.

The bill primarily affects injured federal employees seeking workers' compensation, who would gain broader access to care by nurse practitioners and physician assistants (within the scope of practice allowed under state law) rather than being limited to physicians and osteopathic practitioners. It also affects the Department of Labor, which administers the program and would need to update its rules and procedures.

The bill was introduced in the Senate on December 2, 2025, by Sen. Susan Collins with Sen. Blumenthal, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. On August 6, 2026, the committee ordered it reported favorably without amendment, meaning it is now positioned for consideration by the full Senate.

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