Bill would make virus-related mental injuries compensable

Connecticut lawmakers are considering legislation would make mental injuries suffered by those who treat COVID-19 patients or witness sufferers compensable under workers compensation.

S.B. 660, introduced Wednesday, would apply to first responders, health care workers, correctional officers and those who handle calls either over phone or radio related to caring for individuals suffering from COVID-19. 

The bill would be retroactive to March 10, 2020, and would apply to certain conditions, including witnessing the death of a person due to COVID-19 or due to symptoms that were later diagnosed as COVID-19; witnesses an injury to a person who subsequently dies as a result of COVID-19 or due to symptoms that were later diagnosed as COVID-19; has physical contact with and treats or provides care for a person who subsequently dies as a result of COVID-19 or due to symptoms that were later diagnosed as COVID-19; or witnesses a traumatic physical injury that results in the loss of a vital body function of a person due to COVID-19 or due to symptoms that were later diagnosed as COVID-19.

It was ordered to be placed on the Senate calendar and would go into effect immediately upon passage.

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