National –
- The U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs passed the bipartisan Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act and sent the measure to the full Senate for consideration. The bill would expand the types of medical providers authorized to treat injured federal workers under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). Current law limits treatment to physicians, defined as medical doctors and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. The legislation, introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), would allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing within the scope of state law to certify injuries and provide treatment to injured federal workers. A similar bill advanced out of committee in 2023 but was not considered by the full Senate.
- WCF Insurance announced it signed an agreement to acquire Work First Casualty Company, a workers’ compensation insurer focused on the temporary staffing industry. The transaction is expected to close around Dec. 1, 2026. Work First, founded in 2005, is licensed in all 50 states. Following the transaction, Work First will continue operating under its existing brand, and President Jamie Madden and the current leadership team will remain in place. WCF stated brokers and policyholders will experience no changes to coverage, service teams, or points of contact during the companies’ phased integration process. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Illinois – Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Illinois HB 5228, which updates the state's workers’ compensation system. The legislation overhauls Utilization Review (UR) and Independent Medical Evaluation (IME) requirements to streamline approval processes and improve access to care for injured workers. Key provisions include stricter guidelines for who can perform medical reviews, clarified timelines for IMEs, expanded burial benefits from $8,000 to $10,000, and new funding mechanisms for the Workers’ Compensation Commission. Employers, insurers, and healthcare providers will need to adjust practices to comply with the updated rules, while injured workers are likely to see faster, more transparent access to necessary treatment.
North Carolina – North Carolina Commissioner of Labor Luke Farley designated Tyler Younts as chairman of the North Carolina Industrial Commission, effective Aug. 6, 2026. Younts was recently appointed to the commission by the North Carolina General Assembly and brings experience in workers’ compensation law, administrative law, private practice, and public service. He previously served as a law clerk and deputy commissioner with the Industrial Commission and most recently was deputy general counsel for litigation at the North Carolina Department of Labor. As chairman, Younts will serve as the commission’s chief judicial officer and chief executive officer, overseeing administration of the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act and the agency’s other statutory responsibilities.
Texas – The Texas Department of Insurance Workers’ Compensation Division released the results of a plan-based audit of designated doctors. The purpose of the audit was to evaluate the medical necessity, documentation, and use of designated doctor referrals and additional testing to support the quality of designated doctor reports, effective dispute resolution, and timely return-to-work outcomes. The audit reviewed ten designated doctors and five cases per doctor, resulting in 25 cases being closed with no further action and 25 cases receiving letters of education. TDI-DWC reported that no issues required referral to Enforcement. The audit identified referrals for functional capacity evaluations, electromyography, neuropsychological testing, and other diagnostic studies, with most referrals involving neuropsychological testing. DWC stated it will issue letters of education and continue monitoring referrals for additional testing and designated doctor exams conducted through the scheduling company.
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