Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Henrietta) announced that legislation he authored to improve the quality of care for patients treated under the workers’ compensation program has passed the Assembly. Specifically, the bill would add licensed acupuncturists as eligible treatment providers in the program (A.9721). Bronson noted that this important measure will give options to patients who don’t want to use drugs or painkillers.

“For many workers, chronic pain resulting from an on-the-job injury is a reality they are forced to deal with,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “Sometimes, pain medications and other more common treatments are not enough. Acupuncture provides an alternative that has helped many people improve their quality of life.”

Currently, the state’s workers’ compensation law only allows licensed physicians and psychologists to administer their services, limiting the options available to those in need of care. This bill would allow for acupuncturists to provide and be reimbursed for their services if a physician deems it to be a necessary and effective treatment option.

“Acupuncture treatment is a drug free therapy that allows injured workers to avoid addictive pain medications, surgeries and helps return them to the workforce" added James Shinol, president of the Acupuncture Society of New York. “I’m proud to support Assemblymember Bronson’s bill to make this effective treatment more accessible to those in need through the workers’ compensation program.”

As of January, there are over 3,500 licensed acupuncturists throughout the state.¹ These medical professionals provide a drug-free alternative to alleviate back pain, neck pain, joint pain, headaches and other symptoms. They are also subject to high standards to obtain their license, so patients can be assured they are receiving legitimate, high-quality care.

Assemblymember Bronson has long been an advocate for workers’ rights. He fought for a minimum wage increase to $9.00 per hour that takes effect Dec. 31, 2015, and has supported a proposal to accelerate the increase to be implemented by the end of this year. He also successfully fought to establish better policies for safe patient handling at hospitals, creating a safer environment for patients and nurses. Additionally, he supports legislation to provide mandatory paid leave to any employee who takes time off to care for a sick relative or a new child (A.1793-B).

“Workers deserve the right to earn a living in a safe environment that protects their needs and provides the best health care options if they get injured on the job,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “I’m committed to fighting for the rights of workers all across New York State.”

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1. www.op.nysed.gov/prof/acu/acupuncounts.htm