Virginia introduces COVID-19 presumption bill

A Virginia lawmaker prefiled legislation on Monday to make it easier for first responder, front-line health care workers and teachers to obtain workers compensation if they contract COVID-19 on the job.

H.B. 5028, sponsored by Democratic Delegate Jerrauld Jones, would modify Virginia code to presume that firefighters, law enforcement officers, first responders, health care providers or school board employees who die or become impaired by COVID-19 acquired the virus within the course of their employment “unless such presumptions are overcome by a preponderance of competent evidence to the contrary.”

The change stipulates that the presumptions will only apply if the workers have — if requested — undergone a preemployment physical exam and were found to be free of COVID-19 at that time.

If signed into law, the legislation would be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2020.

More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.