House Committee Approves Bill Expanding DOE Worker Health Care Options

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.

Bill Provisions

The Health Care for Energy Workers Act of 2026 (H.R. 4122) would amend the regulations for the DOE Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program. Under current rules in 42 USC 7384t, employees are only allowed to receive medical benefits from a qualified physician. The bill was introduced by Reps. Rick Allen (R-GA) and Lucy McBath (D-GA).

Committee Action and Rationale

According to Safety+Health Magazine, the committee approved the measure after Allen stated in a June 25 press release that workers in rural areas near DOE sites face long delays under the physicians-only policy. Allen noted that the policy conflicts with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Department of Veterans’ Affairs guidelines, which permit NPs and PAs to order care within their scope of practice. The bill requires NPs and PAs to act within their scope of practice under state law.

Additional Measures and Next Steps

The committee also approved other bills, including one directing the Bureau of Labor Statistics to collect data on the use of artificial intelligence in workplaces. A similar bill aimed at all federal workers was introduced in May 2025. According to Safety+Health Magazine, the Health Care for Energy Workers Act of 2026 now moves to the House floor for consideration.

Program Context

The DOE Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program provides medical benefits to current and former employees. According to Safety+Health Magazine, H.R. 4122 aligns program rules with existing federal guidelines on provider scope of practice.