House Bill No. 6954 seeks to broaden the criteria for post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) workers' compensation coverage by adding "witnessing a serious physical injury" as a qualifying event. This amendment modifies the definition of "qualifying event" in section 31-294k of the general statutes, allowing eligible individuals such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel to claim benefits if they witness serious physical injuries that do not result in death or permanent disfigurement. The bill also removes previous qualifying events related to witnessing traumatic injuries that lead to permanent disfigurement, replacing them with the new criteria for serious physical injuries. The new provisions are set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

In addition to the new insertion, the bill outlines specific limitations and procedures for PTSI benefits, which align with existing claims processes. These include a cap on benefits duration at 52 weeks, a prohibition on claims being awarded more than four years after the qualifying event, and a requirement for employers to contest claims similarly to other workers' compensation claims. The anticipated increase in claims due to the expanded eligibility criteria may lead to potential costs for the Department of Administrative Services and various self-insured municipalities. Overall, the bill aims to provide enhanced support for first responders and healthcare providers who experience psychological trauma in the line of duty.