Missouri Looks to Cover First Responders for PTSD

St. Louis, MO (WorkersCompensation.com) - Air ambulance pilots and EMTs would be entitled to coverage for work-related post traumatic stress disorder, under legislation pre-filed in Missouri. HB 1263 from Rep. Gretchen Bangert, D, also includes air ambulance registered professional nurses, firefighters and law enforcement officers.

“The bill establishes a presumption that post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosed in an emergency worker, during his or her service or within three years of the date of last active service, is an occupational disease compensable under Section 287.067, RSMo. The presumption may be rebutted by evidence that non-service connected risk factors or exposure caused the post-traumatic stress disorder,” reads a summary of the legislation.

The proposal is similar to one filed by State Sen. Scott Sifton, D. SB 545 adds respiratory conditions, hypertension, and cardiovascular-renal disease to PTSD. It covers firefighters, police officers, EMTs “or other first responders” who have completed five or more years in the occupation. It stipulates that the worker must have undergone a physical exam upon employment that “failed to reveal any evidence of any condition or impairment of health.” Such a claim can be denied if “Clear and convincing medical evidence that the cause of the condition or impairment of health of the person is unrelated to their employment.”

The Missouri legislature is scheduled to begin its next session Jan. 8, 2020

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