NY S06651

Adds "massage therapist" to the definition of "provider" eligible to deliver workers' compensation treatment, alongside existing providers like acupuncturists, chiropractors, and physical therapists.

Defines "massage therapist" as someone licensed and having completed formal education and examination requirements under New York's education law and Board of Regents standards.

Allows authorized physicians, physician assistants, podiatrists, or nurse practitioners to prescribe or refer injured employees to massage therapists for treatment, subject to conditions the therapist is authorized to treat under education law.

Requires massage therapists to maintain records of patient condition, progress, and treatment instructions, with submission to the workers' compensation chair as required.

Specifies that massage therapist records and opinions cannot be used as evidence of work-relatedness, disability status, or degree of permanent disability in workers' compensation cases.