This bill seeks to enhance workers' compensation coverage for first responders in Montana by specifically recognizing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a compensable injury. It allows first responders, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, and detention center employees, to file claims for PTSD if diagnosed according to the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, provided that the diagnosis confirms the PTSD is linked to their employment duties. The bill also clarifies that, aside from the new PTSD claims, stress-related claims are generally not compensable under the workers' compensation system, and it redefines "occupational disease" to exclude conditions arising from emotional or mental stress, except for PTSD.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing definitions and provisions related to workers' compensation, introducing PTSD as a compensable injury resulting from specific events occurring after the act's effective date. It modifies the definitions of "temporary partial disability" and "temporary total disability" to align with the new provisions, while also redefining "injury" to include PTSD but exclude emotional or mental stress not linked to a physical accident. The bill includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part is invalidated, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable, thereby providing clearer guidelines for mental health-related workers' compensation claims for first responders.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119