Oklahoma Senate Bill SB655

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Workers' compensation; modifying entity to administer certain insurance pool; adding exception to limitation on compensable injury. Effective date.

Impact

A significant aspect of SB655 is its provision for mental health injuries, specifically addressing instances of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The legislation removes the previous limitation that mental injuries be accompanied by physical injuries, allowing first responders to claim mental health issues as compensable injuries under workers' compensation. This acknowledges the psychological trauma that can accompany emergency response roles and aims to provide necessary medical treatment for affected individuals.

Summary

Senate Bill 655 modifies the existing framework governing workers' compensation for volunteer firefighters in Oklahoma. It establishes that volunteer fire departments can obtain workers' compensation insurance for their members through a new administrative structure involving the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) and CompSource Mutual Insurance Company. This bill specifically allocates funding for insurance premiums, establishing a state contribution of $55 per firefighter with an annual cap of $320,338.

Contention

The changes made by this bill highlight a broader recognition of mental health in the context of occupational hazards for first responders. However, there may be concerns regarding the limitation on employer liability for prescription medication costs and the duration of benefits for mental health claims. Critics might argue that capping benefits could hinder access to necessary long-term treatments, raising debates about adequate support for mental health within the firefighting community and beyond.