N.Y. lawmakers to consider making Lyme disease an occupational illness

Lawmakers in New York will for a second year consider making Lyme disease an occupational illness under workers compensation.

S.B. 3117, introduced Friday, states that Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases would also be considered under disability if the worker is presumed to have caught the disease in the scope of employment.

Under the bill, workers that would qualify include those working in “(a)ny process involving outdoor activity or treatment of animals.” Lyme disease is typically compensable in most states if the worker can prove they contracted the illness at work. Workers compensation experts have said that the industry’s experience with claims is very limited.

A similar bill failed to gain traction in 2022. The latest was referred to a labor committee.