Lawmakers in New York are considering a bill that would amend the state’s existing law on communicating with an injured worker’s doctor.
A.B. 8957, introduced Tuesday and sent to the labor committee, states that it would “not constitute improper influence or an attempt to improperly influence if a claimant’s attorney or representative communicates, verbally or in writing, with an injured employee’s treating provider or a claimant’s medical consultant” nor would it “presumed” that such communication was an attempt to improperly influence decisions.
Under current law, with few exceptions, “improper influencing or attempt by any person improperly to influence the medical opinion of any physician who has treated or examined an injured employee” is considered a misdemeanor.