The U.S. House of Representatives approved bipartisan legislation November 29 aimed at enhancing the workers’ compensation program for federal employees, including authorizing nurse practitioners, other advanced practice nurses, and physician assistants to certify disability for traumatic injuries during an employee’s initial treatment period.  Congressman John Kline (R-MN), Chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee and sponsor of the “Federal Workers’ Compensation Modernization and Improvement Act” (H.R. 2465), called the bill “a first step toward modernizing the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act,” adding that workers in rural areas often have limited access to medical care and the medical professionals can certify a worker’s disability.  The House bill goes to the Senate, where the outlook for action is unclear.