Labor Secretary could cut payments to fraud-convicted medical providers

What does this do?

HR 8823 gives the Secretary of Labor authority to suspend payments to medical providers who have been convicted of fraud under FECA, another federal health program, or a state health program. The suspension would apply to doctors, clinics, and medical equipment suppliers who bill the government for treating injured federal workers. The Department of Labor would be required to issue formal rules explaining how the suspension process works, starting 180 days after the bill becomes law.

Who does it affect?

Medical providers who bill FECA for treating injured federal workers are directly affected if they carry a fraud conviction. Federal employees injured on the job may also be affected if their current providers lose eligibility to receive FECA payments.

Why does it matter?

Injured workers' access to specific providers could change if those providers are suspended from the program. The bill does not alter the benefits injured workers are entitled to receive, only which providers can be paid to deliver them.

Where does it stand?