Connecticut House Bill HB05951

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/21
• Refer: 1/28/21

Caption

An Act Concerning Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Related Workers' Compensation Benefits For Emergency Medical Technicians And Department Of Corrections Employees.

Impact

The implementation of HB 05951 would necessitate changes to existing workers' compensation laws by including provisions specifically for PTSD claims made by EMTs and correctional employees. This inclusion aims to ensure that those who experience significant mental health challenges as a result of their work have access to necessary benefits, similar to those available for physical injuries. This move is seen as a critical advancement in recognizing the broader range of health issues faced by emergency responders and correctional staff, who frequently confront high-stress situations in their roles.

Summary

House Bill 05951 focuses on expanding workers’ compensation benefits to cover post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for specific groups of employees. This bill is particularly aimed at emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and employees of the Department of Corrections. By doing so, the bill intends to address the mental health impacts associated with the demanding and often traumatic nature of these professions, recognizing that traditional workers’ compensation may not adequately support employees dealing with the consequences of traumatic experiences in the line of duty.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intention to better support first responders and correction employees, potential areas of contention may include debates over the associated costs of expanding benefits, the definition and recognition of PTSD within the context of workers' compensation, and the implications for employers in maintaining adequate insurance coverage. Opponents might raise concerns about the feasibility of implementing such changes and the potential increase in claims or associated costs for the claims process.