Bill > HB4698

This bill expands the professionals who may diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a compensable injury or disease under workers' compensation. Specifically, it allows licensed mental health providers, such as licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers, to make the PTSD diagnosis, rather than just licensed psychiatrists as previously required. The bill also provides coverage for first responders, such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, who develop PTSD due to their work-related exposure to traumatic events. Employers can elect to provide this PTSD coverage as an occupational disease, and the bill includes reporting requirements for such claims. The bill is set to expire on July 1, 2026, unless extended by the Legislature.