In December 2010, the New York Workers’ Compensation Board (Board) adopted four Medical Treatment Guidelines for the treatment of injuries to the neck, shoulder, back, and knee. Developed by the Insurance Department’s Workers’ Compensation Reform Task Force and its Advisory Committee, these guidelines create a standard of care using the most effective medical treatments as determined by medical evidence and a consensus of well-respected medical experts.
The Board is committed to keeping the existing guidelines current with evolving medical knowledge and practice. It also intends to develop additional guidelines for treatment of other work-related conditions, following the principles of evidence-based medicine.
To assist in these important tasks, the Chair intends to appoint a Medical Advisory Committee (MAC). The MAC will consist of highly respected medical experts with diverse medical backgrounds and will make recommendations to the Chair. It will be co-chaired by the Board’s Medical Director and Associate Medical Director, Dr. Jaime Szeinuk of Mt. Sinai Medical Center and Dr. Elain Sobol-Berger. Its first task will be to develop guidelines for the management of chronic pain disorders.
The NYS AFL-CIO and the Business Council of New York State will each nominate three medical professionals for appointment to the MAC. The Chair will also appoint three medical professionals based on applications and nominations received from individuals and medical associations throughout the state. The Committee will consult with additional subject matter experts in various health care disciplines, as necessary.
The Board seeks physicians who are recognized as experts in their field. Physicians with the following specialties and sub-specialties are encouraged to apply:
- Anesthesiologist/pain management
- Family medicine, internal medicine, or general practice
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Occupational and environmental medicine
- Orthopedic surgery
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Psychiatry
Nominations should include the individual’s name, contact information, CV, and a brief statement of interest. They should be submitted to MACnominations@wcb.state.ny.us on or before June 15, 2011.
Source: NYWCB