Virginia House Bill HB1631

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/23
• Refer: 1/7/23
• Report Pass: 1/31/23
• Refer: 1/31/23

Caption

Workers' compensation; post-traumatic stress disorder incurred by dispatchers.

Impact

The bill modifies existing statutes concerning workers' compensation laws in Virginia, particularly §65.2-107 of the Code of Virginia. It introduces a structured framework for compensating eligible personnel who suffer from PTSD linked to their roles during emergencies. Employers of these workers are mandated to provide mental health resources, including peer support and referrals to mental health professionals for those seeking care. The establishment of this framework signifies an important legislative step towards recognizing and addressing the mental health challenges faced by first responders in Virginia.

Summary

House Bill 1631 addresses the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) incurred by law enforcement officers, firefighters, and dispatchers. The bill expands the definitions and criteria under which these first responders can claim workers' compensation for PTSD. Specifically, it establishes conditions where PTSD resulting from a 'qualifying event' encountered in the line of duty is compensable. A mental health professional must diagnose the individual with PTSD as a result of such events to access benefits, which align with the guidelines stipulated for workers' compensation claims.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding HB 1631 include the parameters of what constitutes a 'qualifying event' and the subjective nature of PTSD diagnosis. Critics may raise concerns regarding the potential for claims to be subjectively validated by mental health professionals and the adequacy of support resources provided by employers. Some stakeholders might argue for a broader definition of compensable incidents or advocate for stronger mental health support services as part of the bill’s implementation to ensure comprehensive care for affected individuals.