Acupuncture and Workers’ Compensation
Effective January 1, 2020, acupuncture will be added as a medical treatment under the NYS Workers’ Compensation Law to treat work related injuries or illnesses. Therefore, acupuncturists, along with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurse practitioners, can be authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board to treat workers’ comp patients. A Board-authorized acupuncturist will be able to treat patients with work related injuries or illnesses, but must have a required referral from the treating medical provider.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ Compensation, or workers’ comp, is a type of insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits when an employee is injured or becomes sick on the job. This includes but is not limited to falls, lifting or moving equipment, and car accidents. It also helps protect workers from potentially devastating costs of work-related injuries or illnesses and employers from potential damages that could cripple a business based on workers’ comp claims. The law requires certain employers in New York State to have workers’ comp coverage for their employees.
Acupuncture and No-Fault
No-Fault insurance, or personal injury protection (PIP), is a type of car insurance that helps pay for you and your passengers’ medical bills if you’re injured in a car accident, no matter who caused the accident. No-Fault insurance does not cover bills or payments that are not related to personal injuries after a car accident or any damages done to the vehicle. NYS No-Fault Law covers acupuncture treatments.