Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB3628

Introduced
2/7/22  

Caption

Workers' compensation; Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Mental Health Act of 2022; effective date.

Impact

This act would signify a substantial shift in how mental health is perceived in relation to workplace injuries and incidents. Traditionally, workers' compensation has focused primarily on physical injuries; however, HB3628 expands this scope to include mental health challenges. By formally recognizing mental health as an essential aspect of workplace safety, the bill seeks to integrate mental health care into existing workers' compensation frameworks, potentially leading to improved recovery outcomes for workers facing psychological impacts due to their work environment.

Summary

House Bill 3628, known as the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Mental Health Act of 2022, aims to address the mental health needs of workers within the state's workers' compensation system. This legislation introduces provisions that acknowledge mental health as an important component of occupational health and safety, seeking to provide better support for employees suffering from work-related mental health issues. The act is designed to ensure that workers can access necessary mental health services and treatments as part of their compensation benefits, thereby promoting overall employee well-being.

Contention

While the bill presents a progressive step towards enhancing mental health care within workers' compensation, there may be areas of contention arising from its implementation. Critics might voice concerns regarding the adequacy of funding for mental health services and the potential for insurance disputes over what constitutes a work-related mental health issue. Moreover, the need for effective training and resources for employers to recognize and address these issues appropriately could also be a point of discussion among stakeholders in the legislative process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB3629

Workers' compensation; Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Mental Health Act of 2022; effective date.

OK HB1705

Workers' compensation; Workers' Compensation Mental Health Policy Act of 2023; effective date.

OK HB1705

Workers' compensation; Workers' Compensation Mental Health Policy Act of 2023; effective date.

OK HB1706

Workers' compensation; Workers' Compensation Mental Health Policy Act of 2023; effective date.

OK HB1706

Workers' compensation; Workers' Compensation Mental Health Policy Act of 2023; effective date.

OK HB3626

Workers' compensation; Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Policy Act of 2022; effective date.

OK HB3627

Workers' compensation; Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Policy Act of 2022; effective date.

OK HB1901

Workers' compensation; Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Law Act of 2023; effective date.

OK HB1901

Workers' compensation; Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Law Act of 2023; effective date.

OK HB1300

Workers' compensation; Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Act of 2023; effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.