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Ohio Bill Would Allow Workers’ Compensation For Police PTSD
By: Associated Press
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Emergency responders with post-traumatic stress disorder could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits even if they don’t have physical injuries under an Ohio proposal.
The legislation considered Tuesday by an Ohio Senate committee would apply to police, other peace officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians with PTSD arising from work.
One sponsor, Democratic Sen. Edna Brown of Toledo, says such responders risk their well-being in jobs that often expose them to traumatic situations and violence. She says helping them access treatment is the right thing to do.
A similar measure passed the Senate with bipartisan support last year but didn’t make it to a House vote.
Similar efforts elsewhere have drawn criticism from police chiefs and local leaders about the costs and concerns that it could lead to frivolous claims.