N.Y. lawmakers to consider allowing medical assistants to treat injured workers

New York lawmakers are considering a measure that would allow occupational and physical therapy assistants to provide care for injured workers.

S.B. 6501, introduced Monday, stipulates that the assistant must work “(u)nder the direct supervision” of an authorized occupational therapist or authorized physical therapist.

The bill states such “supervision shall be evidenced by signed records of instructions for treatment and signed records of the patient’s condition and progress” and that such documentation must be provided when requested.

The bill was referred to the Senate Labor Committee.