Regulatory Compliance

CorVel is a national provider of industry leading workers’ compensation solutions to New York payors. Incidents and injuries can be reported to our 24/7 call center, to the online claims system or via mobile apps. Reports are immediately processed by our proprietary rules engine where medical management begins immediately as needed, and the claim is assigned to a Claims Adjuster within one business day or less of initial receipt.

Our comprehensive return to work program ensures collaboration and communication with all interested parties including the injured worker, employer, human resources, medical and safety teams, and healthcare providers.  We use technology, compassionate case management for employees and cost containment measures, to give New York employers a superior program.

New York State Direct Deposit Notice

New York State Direct Deposit Form

New York Legislative update  Effective 01/01/2025

Senate Bill 06635

Description: Expands to all workers the ability to received PTSD coverage under NYS Workers’ Compensation Coverage identified work related stress

Link to changes: NY State Senate Bill 2023-S6635

Customer Impact: Employers may see an increase in workers requesting mental health treatment related to work events. Employers should report these incidents timely so claim staff can investigate the circumstances of the event and determine if the claim meets the requirements set forth by the Workers’ Compensation Board.

New York Regulatory Updates  02/17/2025

New York SB 162 – Authorizes the Commissioner of Labor and the Workers’ Compensation Board to Issue Stop-Work Orders

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 01/06/2025

This measure is known as the Stop Workplace Abuse Today (SWAT) Act.

This measure amends the labor law and the workers’ compensation law in relation to the issuing of stop-work orders. This measure amends the labor law to authorize the issuance of stop-work orders  as a result of a violation of the measure. Provides that an employer who violates payment of wages, the minimum wage act, minimum wage standards and protective labor practices for farm workers, and other rules and regulations in the sector and such aggregate amount exceeds $1,000 should be subject to a stop-work order by the commissioner.

• The commissioner or board is authorized to issue a stop-work order if the department is made aware of any local, city or federal labor violations relating to the payment of wages by an employer and the commissioner deems a stop-work order an appropriate action as a result of the violation.
• A stop-work order against an employer applies against any successor firm, corporation, or partnership of the employer in the same manner that it applies to the employer.

This measure requires the commissioner or board to notify an employer of their intention to issue a stop-work order within 72 hours of finding a violation after investigation. This measure outlines the required information needed in each notice, which includes information on the employer’s right to a hearing, the timeline, and complaint information. This measure states that after an employer receives notice they have 72 hours to come into compliance and to notify the commissioner or board of the compliance. If they have not come into compliance the commissioner is required to issue a stop-work order requiring the cessation of all business operations of the employer at every site at which the violation occurs.

• A stop-order will take effect when served upon the employer or at the worksite.
• A stop-order will remain in effect until the commissioner or board issues an order releasing the stop-work order if the employer has come into compliance and has paid any penalty.
• An employer who is subject to a stop-work order has the right to apply to the commissioner or board, not more than 10 days after the order is issued, for a hearing to contest whether the employer committed the violation on which the order was based.
• Failure to comply with a stop-work order will result in the assessment of a penalty of no less than $1,000 and no more than $5,000 for each day the employer is found not to be in compliance.
• An employer affected by a stop-work order will be paid their regular rate for the period in which the stop-work order is in place or the first 10 days the employee would have been scheduled to work had the order not been issued.
• There will be a rebuttable presumption of unlawful retaliation if any employer discriminates, retaliates, or takes any adverse action against any employee within 90 days of the employee initiating a complaint.

This measure provides that an employer who knowingly fails to provide workers’ compensation coverage will be subject to a stop-work order by the commissioner of labor or the workers’ compensation board. This measure will take effect immediately.

Most Recent Update:

• 01/08/2025 – Introduced; Referred to the Senate Labor Committee

New York S 998 – Permits Telemedicine Services For Mental and Behavioral Health Issues Under the Workers’ Compensation System

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 01/08/2025

This measure allows psychological testing, treatment, and counseling to be provided through telehealth by psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers.  An in-person visit is required within 12 months of the first video telehealth session and within 6 months of the first audio-only telehealth session unless:

•  The provider determines that an in-person visit may disrupt service delivery or worsen the patient’s condition;
•  An in-person visit would cause undue hardship for the patient or their family.

This measure takes effect immediately.

Most Recent Update:

• 01/08/2025 – Introduced; Referred to the Senate Labor Committee

New York AB 949 – Permits Telemedicine Services For Mental and Behavioral Health Issues Under the Workers’ Compensation System

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 01/09/2025

Psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers may provide psychological testing, treatment, and counseling for worker’s compensation through telehealth.

For telehealth to be applicable an individual must attend at least one in-person within:

• 12 months of the first video telehealth visit, or
• 6 months of the first audio-only telehealth visit.

Exceptions will be made if the provider believes it could disrupt care, worsen the patient’s condition, or cause undue hardship. This measure takes effect immediately.

Most Recent Update:

• 01/08/2025 – Introduced; Referred to the Senate Labor Committee

New York AB 486 – Provides For Equitable Disability Policies

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 01/13/2025

This measure prohibits insurance companies or the state insurance fund that issues, reinstates, amends, or endorses any insurance policy from providing required benefits that discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, marital status, or national origin.

• This includes differences in premiums, benefits, or any other terms or conditions of the policy.
• “Sex” also covers conditions unique to a person’s sex, such as pregnancy.

This act takes effect immediately.

Most Recent Update:

• 01/08/2025 – Introduced; Referred to the Senate Labor Committee

New York AB 191 – Removes Labor Market Attachment Requirements For Certain Disability Cases

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 01/13/2025

This measure provides that temporary partial disability will be payable without the employee demonstrating labor market attachment.
This measure goes into effect immediately.

Most Recent Update:

• 01/08/2025 – Introduced; Referred to the Senate Labor Committee

New York AB 1038 – Includes Lyme Disease and Other Tick-Borne Diseases As Occupational Diseases For Purposes of Workers’ Compensation

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 01/13/2025

This measure includes Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases as a disability.
The measure requires private insurance coverage for all costs to treat Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Most Recent Update:

• 01/08/2025 – Introduced; Referred to the Senate Labor Committee

New York AB 530 – Relates to the Establishment of Rates of Payment and Delivery of Health Care Services

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 01/22/2025

This measure amends existing law in relation to the establishment of rates of payment and delivery of health care services. This measure requires the chair, in consultation with the board’s medical director, to biennially prepare a schedule of charges for medical treatments and podiatric medical treatments, to be given to the State. This measure will take effect immediately.

Most Recent Update:

• 01/08/2025 – Introduced; Referred to the Senate Labor Committee

New York AB 3005 – Enacts into Law Major Components of Legislation Necessary to Implement the State Public Protection and General Government Budget For the 2025-2026 State Fiscal Year

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 01/29/2025

This measure would implement legislation related to public safety and the general government, including for artificial intelligence, workers’ compensation, alcohol, and design-build.

Artificial Intelligence

This measure would expand the scope of child pornography offenses to include artificial intelligence-generated child sexual abuse materials. Specifically, this measure would amend the Penal Law to include performances created or altered by digitization as offenses under Promoting an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child, a Class D felony; Possessing an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child, a Class E felony; Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, a Class D felony; and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, a Class E felony. The above provisions would take effect 60 days after enactment. (Pgs. 36-7)

Alcohol Sales

This measure expands the authority of the State Liquor Authority to issue temporary permits to retail applicants while they await a full review of their license applications by one year. The above provision would take effect immediately. (Pg. 40)

Payroll

This measure would amend State Finance Law to establish an optional payment for newly hired state employees, subject to agreement with labor unions representing executive branch employees, and the election of the judiciary and legislature for employees under their respective purview. The above provision would take effect July 1, 2025; however, the optional payment shall be effective July 1, 2026. (Pgs. 48-9)

Design Build

This measure would allow authorized State entities to use Construction Manager as Constructor (CMAC) as an alternative project delivery method for state construction projects. Under this measure, CMAC is responsible for services rendered by the general contractor during construction for the agreed compensation, along with the responsibilities outlined below. This measure would add the State University of New York and City University Construction Fund to the list of authorized state entities that can utilize alternative project delivery methods. This measure allows authorized state entities when awarding any contract for public work to establish guidelines governing the qualifications of contractors seeking to bid, propose or enter into such contract.

Under current law, prospective contractors may be prequalified as contractors to provide particular types of construction, in accordance with general criteria established by the authorized state entity which may include the experience, past performance, ability to undertake the type and complexity of work, financial capability, responsibility, compliance with equal employment opportunity requirements and anti-discrimination laws, and reliability.

Under this measure, such prequalification may be by categories designed by size, value, geography, and other factors. If the authorized state entity maintains an appropriate list of qualified contractors, the contract will be awarded consistent with guidelines established by the authorized state entity. This measure requires as authorized state entity to, not less than annually, publish in a newspaper of general circulation or post in the New York State Contract Reporter an advertisement requesting prospective contractors to submit qualification statements. Lists of pre-qualified contractors may be established on a project-specific basis. Pre-qualified lists must include all contractors that qualify; provided, however, that any such list will have no less than five bidders.

This measure defines “construction manager as constructor contract” as a contract implementing a project delivery method whereby a construction manager:

1. Is retained by the owner at the time of the design phase and is responsible for working collaboratively as part of a team in conjunction with the owner and owner’s separately retained design firm.
2. Is responsible for developing and providing the owner with a proposed guaranteed maximum price to construct the project in accordance with the design.

III. During the construction phase, is responsible for the services of the construction manager and general contractor for agreed upon compensation as set forth in the construction manager as constructor contract.

1. Assumes the responsibility for construction, the period of time for performance, and the costs exceeding an amount specified in the construction manager as constructor contract.

The above provisions would take effect immediately. (Pgs. 50-6)

Professions

This measure would allow medical and surgical residents and fellows, who are currently in academic training programs, to treat workers’ compensation patients. The above provision would take effect immediately. (Pg. 59)

This measure would allow any licensed acupuncturist, chiropractor, nurse practitioner, occupational therapist, physical therapist, physician, physician assistant, podiatrist, psychologist, or social worker to treat workers’ compensation patients, unless that provider is on the exclusion list.

This measure defines “exclusion list” as the list published and maintained by the Workers’ Compensation Board in accordance with section thirteen-d of this workers’ compensation law listing providers who are currently disqualified from rendering care or from performing independent medical examinations. The above provision would take effect on January 1, 2027. (Pgs. 59-71)

Workers’ Compensation

This measure would allow workers’ compensation payers to pay for medical treatment and care, in addition to compensation payments and prescribed medicine, without accepting liability for one year. The above provision would take effect on January 1, 2027. (Pgs. 71-2)

This measure would require an insurer or health benefits plan to make payments for otherwise covered medical and/or hospital services for or on behalf of an injured employee when the claim is controverted and the insurer or health benefits plan receives from the provider of the medical and/or hospital services who is treating the injured employee a written notice from the carrier or employer that the carrier or employer denied payment for the medical and/or hospital services. The insurer or health benefits plan will be entitled to be reimbursed for such payments by the carrier or employer within the limits of the medical and hospital fee schedules adopted by the chair if the Workers’ Compensation Board determines that the claim is compensable.

This measure requires an insurer to make payments for otherwise covered medical or hospital services when a workers’ compensation insurance claim is controverted and the insurer receives from the provider of the medical or hospital services who is treating the injured employee a written notice from the workers’ compensation insurer or employer that the workers’ compensation insurer or employer denied payment for the medical or hospital services. The insurer will be entitled to be reimbursed for such payments by the workers’ compensation insurer or employer within the limits of the medical and hospital fee schedules of the chair of the Workers’ Compensation Board if the workers’ compensation board determines that the claim is compensable.

This measure defines “insurer” as an insurer authorized to write accident and health insurance in New York, an organization or corporation licensed or certified pursuant to article forty-three or forty-seven of this chapter or article forty-four of the public health law, or an institution of higher education certified under section eleven hundred twenty-four of this chapter, as added by chapter two hundred forty-six of the laws of two thousand twelve. The above provision would take effect on January 1, 2026. (Pgs. 72-3)  This measure would take effect immediately unless stated otherwise.

Most Recent Update:

• 02/04/2025 – Joint Budget Hearing Scheduled

New York AB 2748 – Relates to Eligibility For Classification As Permanent Total Disability

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 01/30/2025

This measure makes changes to eligibility for permanent total disability. Employees with an inability to perform the full range of sedentary work, or approval for federal social security disability benefits as a result of a compensable accident or occupational disease, are considered eligible for permanent total disability. This measure takes effect immediately.

Most Recent Update:

• 01/28/2025 – Hearing Held; Passed Committee; Referred to Assembly Ways and Means Committee

New York SB 3129 – Relates to Collective Bargaining Rights to Farm Laborers, Repealing Certain Provisions of Chapter 105 of the Laws of 2019 and Repealing Certain Provisions of the Labor Law and the Workers’ Compensation Law

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 01/30/2025

This measure pertains to labor laws. This measure amends existing laws to grant more rights to farm laborers. Farm laborers and the services they provide are now included in the definition of employees and employment and agricultural labor is included in coverage. This measure adds that a farmer must provide coverage under this measure for all farm laborers employed during any part of the 12 consecutive months beginning April 1 of any calendar year preceded by a calendar year in which the cash remuneration paid to all farm laborers aggregated $1,200 or more. This measure is effective 1/1/2022.

Most Recent Update:

• 01/23/2025 – Introduced; Referred to Senate Labor Committee

New York SB 3235 – Relates to the Workers’ Compensation Benefit of Certain Disabled Employees

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 01/31/2025

The measure relates to worker’s compensation. Provides for disabilities commencing on or after January 1, 2028, the weekly benefit will increase progressively from 50% to 67% of the employee’s average weekly wage over the following years, with yearly increments between 2028 and subsequent years, with caps based on the state average weekly wage. The contribution rate from employees towards disability benefits will be adjusted starting January 1, 2028, from one-half percent of wages (maximum of $0.60) to the same percentage but with a new cap of $2.20.

• Employers are prohibited from interfering with employee rights related to disability and family leave, enhancing protections against retaliation for requesting or taking such leave.

Employers must maintain the employee’s health benefits during periods of disability or family leave as if they were actively working. The measure takes effect upon passage.

Most Recent Update:

• 01/24/2025 – Referred to Senate Labor Committee

New York SB 2234 – Provides That Either Party to a Workers’ Compensation Claim Can Request a Hearing

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 01/31/2025

The measure requires the board to index a workers’ compensation claim immediately upon receiving a medical report along with a claim from the injured worker or an employer’s report of injury.

• The board is mandated to hold an initial hearing within sixty days for claims asserting lost wages or time due to injury. A hearing must occur within forty-five calendar days following a request.

The measure takes effect upon passage.

Most Recent Update:

• 01/16/2025 – Referred to Senate Labor Committee

New York AB 2432 – Relates to Reducing Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 01/29/2025

This measure provides a definition for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.  This measure provides that a person capable of performing a job hazard assessment to identify and assess existing and predictable ergonomic risk factors in core work activities may conduct a work site evaluation in relation to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The measure expands the meaning of risk factors to include extreme or static postures, repetitive motions, direct pressure, contact stress, vibration, or cold temperatures. Worksite evaluations must incorporate input from workers. Employers with active, collectively bargained workplace safety committees that comply with federal OSHA standards may allow an employee-led committee to review or conduct worksite evaluations. If an employee-led committee raises material concerns in writing, a board-certified ergonomist must review the injury prevention program. If no employee-led committee exists, an ergonomist must review the worksite evaluation upon a written request. This review must begin within 30 days, and revised evaluations must be provided to workers and their representatives at no cost. This measure takes effect on June 1, 2025.

Most Recent Update:

• 01/28/2025 – Hearing Held; Passed Committee 28-0

New York Regulatory Updates  12/29/2024

New York SB 6929 – Relates to Workers’ Access to Treatment

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 06/06/2024

This measure increases the exemption from prior authorization from $1,000 to $1,500 per service.  It also extends any willing provider protections at the network negotiated rate for certain services in excess of $1,500. Those services include special diagnostic tests, x-rays, and MRIs.  It takes effect upon enactment.

Most Recent Update:

• 11/22/2024 – Vetoed by Governor Kathy Hochul (D)

New York Regulatory Updates  10/08/2024

New York AB 1204 – Authorizes the Treatment of Workers’ Compensation Injuries By an Occupational Therapy Assistant and a Physical Therapist Assistant

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 05/22/2024

This measure allows that under the direction and supervision of an authorized occupational therapist or physical therapist, occupational therapy or physical therapy services may be rendered by an occupational therapy or physical therapy assistant. This supervision shall be evidenced by signed records of instructions for treatment and signed records of the patient’s condition and progress, together with records of instruction for treatment, if any, will be maintained by the physical therapist or occupational therapist and by the referring physician, physician assistant, podiatrist, or nurse practitioner. 

The measure takes effect 30 days after enactment.

Most Recent Update:

• 09/27/2024 – Signed by Governor Kathy Hochul (D)

New York Regulatory Updates  08/06/2024

New York AB 9106 – Authorizes the Commissioner of Labor and the Workers’ Compensation Board to Issue Stop-Work Orders

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 05/22/2024

This measure amends the labor law and the workers’ compensation law relating to stop-work orders.
This measure allows the Commissioner of Labor and the Workers’ Compensation Board (commissioner) to issue stop-work orders for an employer who violates payment of wages, the Minimum Wage Act, minimum wage standards and protective labor practices for farm workers, if the aggregate amount exceeds $1,000, and workers’ compensation coverage.
This measure allows the commissioner to issue a stop-work order if the Department of Labor is notified of any local, city, or federal labor violation relating to the payment of wages or workers’ compensation by an employer. The commissioner must notify an employer in writing of their intention to issue a stop-work order within 72 hours of a violation. The notice must: (1) notify the employer’s right to a hearing; (2) notify the employer that they have seventy-two hours to address the violation or violations before the stop-work order will be issued; and (3) state the reasons the commissioner based their decision to issue a stop-work order and how the employer must comply. The employer has 72 hours to comply and notify the commissioner. If the employer does not comply, the commissioner must issue a stop-work order ceasing all business operations of the employer at every site with a violation until the employer complies. Failure or refusal to comply with a stop-work order will result in the assessment of a penalty between $1,000 – $5,000 for each day the employer is not in compliance. An employee affected by a stop-work order must be paid their regular rate for the period or the first 10 days the employee would have been scheduled to work if the stop-work order had not been issued, whichever is less, by the employer.
This measure takes effect immediately.

Most Recent Update:

• 07/22/2024 – Enacting Clause Struck

New York Regulatory Updates  07/11/2024

New York AB 1204 – Authorizes Treatment of Workers’ Compensation Injuries By an Occupational Therapy Assistant and a Physical Therapist Assistant

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 05/22/2024

This measure allows that under the direction and supervision of an authorized occupational therapist or physical therapist, occupational therapy or physical therapy services may be rendered by an occupational therapy or physical therapy assistant. This supervision shall be evidenced by signed records of instructions for treatment and signed records of the patient’s condition and progress, together with records of instruction for treatment, if any, will be maintained by the physical therapist or occupational therapist and by the referring physician, physician assistant, podiatrist, or nurse practitioner. 

The measure takes effect 30 days after enactment.

Most Recent Update:

• 06/04/2024 – Substituted for SB 9462; Passed Senate

AB 6832 – Relates to Workers’ Access to Treatment

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 05/15/2023

This measure increases the exemption from prior authorization from $1,000 to $1,500 per service.

It also extends any willing provider protections at the network negotiated rate for certain services in excess of $1,500. Those services include special diagnostic tests, x-rays, and MRIs.

It takes effect upon enactment.

Most Recent Update:

• 06/07/2024 – Substituted by SB 6929

AB 6929 – Relates to Workers’ Access to Treatment

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 05/15/2023

This measure increases the exemption from prior authorization from $1,000 to $1,500 per service.

It also extends any willing provider protections at the network negotiated rate for certain services in excess of $1,500. Those services include special diagnostic tests, x-rays, and MRIs.

It takes effect upon enactment.

Most Recent Update:

• 06/07/2024 – Substituted AB 6832; Passed Assembly

New York Services

• Workers’ compensation claims administration
• Medical bill review in compliance with state requirements
• Local PPO development and management
• Case management services

New York Resources

New York Compensation Website

New York Government Website

Includes coverage of treatment rendered by a massage therapist