Emergency rule to provide comp benefits to first responders

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Tuesday announced he has directed the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to implement an emergency rule that will provide workers compensation benefits to first responders who contract COVID-19.

The emergency rule will create a presumption that first responders who contract COVID-19 did so in the line of duty and allow them to make a claim under the Missouri Workers’ Compensation law to cover the expenses incurred, according to a statement.

“Our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs are tireless public servants who compromise their own safety to ensure the safety of others,” Gov. Parson said in the statement. “They risk themselves each and every day, and because of their duties, our first responders are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 while on the job.”

More insurance and risk management news on the coronavirus crisis here.