NY S08287

Adds licensed massage therapy services to the list of medical treatments employers must provide to injured workers' compensation employees, including initial treatment and replacements necessitated by ordinary wear or damage.

Requires the Workers' Compensation Board chair to establish and maintain fee schedules for massage therapy services in consultation with recognized professional associations representing licensed massage therapists in New York State.

Permits licensed massage therapists to receive payment above established fee schedules only with employer authorization or by board decision, matching provisions already applicable to physicians and physical/occupational therapists.

Establishes arbitration procedures for disputes over massage therapy service values, with arbitration committees consisting of a licensed massage therapist, an employer-designated physician, and a board-designated physician when sufficient arbitrations exist in a geographical area.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.