Us Congress Senate Bill SB3700

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 1/31/24

Caption

Health Care for Energy Workers Act of 2024

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would significantly alter the landscape of healthcare provision for energy workers who are eligible for medical benefits. By empowering nurse practitioners and physician assistants to manage a broader range of medical services, it aims to improve access to healthcare for this population, which may often encounter barriers to receiving timely treatment. This change is particularly crucial in light of the specific health challenges faced by energy workers, some of whom may have suffered from illnesses related to their occupational exposure.

Summary

SB3700, known as the Health Care for Energy Workers Act of 2024, aims to expand the authority of nurse practitioners and physician assistants in providing necessary medical services to individuals receiving medical benefits for illnesses. The bill modifies the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act, allowing these healthcare professionals to prescribe and recommend services, appliances, and supplies within their scope of practice and according to federal regulations.

Contention

While the bill's intent is to enhance healthcare accessibility, there may be points of contention, especially regarding the implications of granting broader prescribing authority to non-physician practitioners. Critics may raise concerns over the adequacy of training and oversight for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in delivering these medical services, fearing that it might lead to variations in the quality of care. Proponents, however, may argue that this legislation will alleviate burdens on the healthcare system by utilizing capable professionals who can address patient needs more flexibly.