West Virginia bill would allow PTSD comp for first responders
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West Virginia lawmakers on Thursday passed a bill to allow the compensability of post-traumatic stress disorder by first responders in the state.
H.B. 3107, which passed the state’s House of Representatives in a vote of 96-2, would allow first responders who develop PTSD, diagnosed by a licensed mental health provider, to obtain workers compensation coverage for the injury if it is found to be related to traumatic events they were exposed to during the course of their employment.
However, benefits for PTSD are contingent upon the employer electing to provide coverage for PTSD from its workers compensation insurer or self-insured program, and any claim must be made within three years of diagnosis.
If signed into law, the legislation would apply to diagnoses of PTSD made on or after July 1, 2021, or the first day of the employer’s next workers compensation insurance policy term, whichever is later.
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