Washington — The House Education and Workforce Committee unanimously approved legislation that would allow current and former Department of Energy employees to receive care from nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
The Health Care for Energy Workers Act of 2026 (H.R. 4122), introduced by Reps. Rick Allen (R-GA) and Lucy McBath (D-GA), would amend the regulations for the DOE Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program. Currently, under 42 USC 7384t, employees are only allowed to receive medical benefits from a qualified physician.
“Unfortunately, in many parts across the country where these DOE sites are located – particularly in rural areas – workers can experience long delays in receiving essential health care services,” Allen said in a June 25 press release. “This physicians-only policy also conflicts with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs guidelines, which allow NPs and PAs to order care within their scope of practice.
“H.R. 4122 helps address these delays and aligns the program with CMS and VA policies. This bill also requires NPs and PAs to act within their scope of practice under state law. These providers play a significant role in America’s health care system, and it is time that they play a greater role in the Energy Workers Program.”
The bill now moves to the House floor for consideration. A similar bill, aimed at all federal workers, was introduced in May 2025.
The committee also approved other bills, including one that directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics to collect data on the use of artificial intelligence in workplaces.
