Wash. state lawmakers seek to expand physicians for comp claims

Lawmakers in Washington state are set to consider expanding the types of physicians that would be able to treat injured workers in the workers compensation system. 

In addition to adding “osteopathic physician, chiropractor, naturopath, podiatric physician, optometrist, dentist, licensed advanced registered nurse practitioner, physician assistant” to the list, H.B. 1197 proposes adding “psychologist in claims solely for mental health conditions” to the state’s comp code.

If passed, the changes would go into effect July 1, 2025, and would be applied retroactively.