NY A00852

Allows injured employees to receive treatment from licensed clinical social workers (as defined under Education Law Article 154) upon referral by an authorized physician, with services limited to their specialized training and qualifications.

Requires licensed clinical social workers to file applications with a clinical social work practice committee for authorization and agree not to privately treat workers' compensation patients if removed from the authorized list.

Establishes a single clinical social work practice committee of three licensed social workers, appointed by the board chair, to review applications, investigate misconduct, and recommend authorizations.

Requires preliminary notice of injury and treatment within 48 hours of first treatment and complete reports within 15 days; allows employer, carrier, and claimant to request independent examinations by authorized social workers.

Sets fee schedules determined by the board chair based on committee recommendations; disputes over bills of $1,000 or less use single arbitrator process, while disputes exceeding $1,000 use committee determination unless arbitrator process is requested.

Effective 180 days after enactment, with rule and regulation implementation authorized immediately.