SB 2184 Summary

• Expands definition of "allied health care professional" to include health care providers, pharmacists, audiologists, speech language pathologists, naturopaths, and other recognized practitioners providing skilled services under supervision or prescription.

• Redefines "health care provider" to include doctors, pharmacists, audiologists, speech language pathologists, naturopaths, and other recognized practitioners (previously limited to doctors of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, psychologists, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants).

• Applies the expanded definitions of allied health care professional and health care provider throughout North Dakota's workers' compensation law in multiple sections governing medical management, utilization review, disability certification, and medical examinations.

• Clarifies that allied health care professionals must act within their license scope and establishes consistent requirements for reporting, billing, and fee approval across workers' compensation medical services.

• Senate passed 47-0; House passed 84-2.