The bill establishes a pilot program focused on improving treatment and research for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among workers, specifically allocating funding from the medical aid fund for projects that enhance workplace safety and health investments. It mandates that at least 25% of the funds be dedicated to developing effective return-to-work initiatives, another 25% to support small businesses, and 50% to prioritize workplace injury and illness prevention. Additionally, the bill authorizes the department to utilize these funds for grants or contracts aimed at creating and evaluating workplace behavioral health programs, particularly for high-risk occupations dealing with PTSD.

Moreover, the bill outlines the creation of a healthcare provider network to ensure injured workers receive high-quality medical treatment. It establishes minimum standards for providers, an advisory group for implementation guidance, and a second tier for providers demonstrating superior occupational health practices. Key provisions include allowing treatment for PTSD before claim adjudication, simplifying administrative requirements, and setting a timeline for reporting on the pilot program's effectiveness. The bill also includes measures for the department of labor and industries to adopt necessary rules for implementation and specifies expiration dates for various sections of the act.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 49.17.243, 51.36.010, 51.36.060