Quote of the day
“The state’s workers’ compensation system is not designed to compensate purely mental injuries. Instead, we believe a broader conversation about where PTSD arising in the course of employment is the most effectively and appropriately financed – whether that’s private health insurance, private disability insurance or a completely different model – and that these talks about where it should be financed should continue to take place.”
Kevin Shimp, director of labor and legal affairs for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, to the Ohio House Insurance Committee
Ohio proposals would allow more PTSD workers’ comp claims
Proposed legislation would make Ohio first responders eligible for workers’ compensation for work-related post-traumatic stress disorder, even without an accompanying physical injury. If approved, the legislation would increase annual PTSD claims and costs to the workers’ compensation system by an estimated $44 million in the first year, according to a legislative commission estimate. Galion Inquirer
Police may not be covered for psychological trauma
State workers’ compensation laws vary as to whether police officers’ psychological injuries are covered generally, covered under only limited circumstances, or not covered. Former state and federal prosecutor Val Van Brockline addresses gaps in the law enforcement profession’s response to psychological injuries that could leave officers financially impacted and worse, and what must change to prevent that. PoliceOne
LWCC purchases another former hotel near headquarters
Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Co. has purchased a former hotel property near its offices, less than three months after it bought another neighboring hotel property. Both hotels are being demolished in order to provide additional development room for LWCC, which is in the midst of a $22.7 million renovation of its offices. The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.)
Idaho Senate committee addresses sunset provision in first responders’ PTSD law
The Idaho Senate Commerce Committee this week was scheduled to hear a bill that would remove the expiration date from last year’s legislation covering first responders’ post-traumatic stress injuries under workers’ compensation. Idaho Press
Guam lawmakers pass workers’ comp hikes
Guam senators on Tuesday passed a bill that would increase workers’ compensation rates for the first time in 30 years, impose a civil penalty of $250 to $25,000 for employers who violate their obligations required under the Workers’ Compensation Act, and change the composition of the Workers’ Compensation Commission. Pacific Daily News