WCD Sets Hearing on Rules to Implement Provider Expansion

The Oregon Workers' Compensation Division is holding a hearing in July on rules that would give nurse practitioners and physician associates the same treatment authority as physicians and surgeons. Lawmakers this year passed HB 4040, which added nurse practitioners and physician associates to the definition of "attending physician." In addition to providing direct care and developing treatment plans, attending physicians also authorize time off when a person is too injured to work, determine the date of maximum medical improvement, define functional limitations and release inju...