This bill amends the North Dakota Century Code to include specific provisions regarding posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the context of workers' compensation. It adds a new definition of "compensable injury" to include PTSD, provided that the injured employee can demonstrate, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the condition was caused by extraordinary stress greater than the typical emotional strain experienced by similar employees. The bill outlines the criteria for diagnosing PTSD, which must be conducted by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist and must not pre-exist the employment event. Additionally, it specifies that PTSD claims cannot arise from actions taken in good faith by an employer, such as disciplinary actions or layoffs.

Furthermore, the bill establishes limits on the duration of disability benefits for PTSD, capping them at thirty-two weeks from the first report of injury or two claims in an employee's lifetime. The provisions of this act will apply to injuries sustained on or after August 1, 2025, and it is set to expire on July 31, 2029. This legislation aims to clarify the conditions under which PTSD is covered under workers' compensation and to set clear boundaries on the duration and number of claims allowed.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 65-01-02