Bill would expand PTSD protections for first responders

A Kentucky bill proposes to expand workers compensation protections for first responders in the state who suffer from post-traumatic syndrome disorder.

B.R. 140, which was prefiled by Kentucky State Rep. Joni Jenkins, D-Jefferson, proposes to amend the state’s definition of a compensable injury for first responders to include psychological injuries for certain employees. Currently, Kentucky law precludes workers comp coverage of “psychological, psychiatric, or stress-related” injuries unless they are a direct result of an on-the-job physical injury.

If passed, the legislation would add an exception to the current injury definition to include workers comp coverage of psychological, psychiatric or stress-related injuries suffered by police officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel or other front-line staff on the job.

Several other states, including Washington and Florida, passed similar legislation in 2018.