Bill > S1785

This bill amends Chapter 32 of the General Laws to create a presumption that correctional facility employees who develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that results in total or partial disability or death have suffered a work-related injury, provided they passed a physical examination upon entering service or subsequently that did not reveal any prior evidence of the condition. Specifically, the bill establishes that if a correctional employee develops PTSD and previously passed a medical examination that did not indicate the presence of this condition, their PTSD-related impairment will be presumed to have occurred in the line of duty. This means the employee or their family would be more likely to receive disability or death benefits, unless the employer can provide competent evidence proving the PTSD was not work-related. The provision aims to protect correctional employees who are exposed to high-stress and potentially traumatic work environments by making it easier for them to obtain workers' compensation or disability benefits related to PTSD.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1785