The New York Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) published its 2026 Regulatory Agenda, outlining rulemaking initiatives that will affect medical billing, pharmacy programs, treatment guidelines, and administrative processes.

Key updates include revisions to the DME and Medical Fee Schedules, the Workers’ Compensation Formulary, the Medical Treatment Guidelines, and rules supporting OnBoard modernization. The Board is also evaluating changes to deposition procedures and regulatory updates related to recent amendments to WCL §21‑a taking effect January 1, 2027.

At the same time, Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State proposals introduce several initiatives relevant to workers’ comp. These include stronger action against fraud, enhanced enforcement against wage theft, and broader digital and consumer protections involving AI governance, data security, and transparency around AI‑generated content. The proposals also expand worker protections, including measures such as ending taxes on tipped wages.

Understanding which updates the Board intends to pursue each year is essential for staying ahead of evolving fee schedule and formulary changes that influence reimbursement and bill review accuracy. As more states explore AI‑related standards and broader digital modernization initiatives, early insight into policy direction helps stakeholders to anticipate emerging requirements, evaluate potential operational or compliance impacts, and proactively guide strategy.