This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to expand the definition of who may diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a compensable injury under workers' compensation for first responders. It introduces the term "licensed mental health provider," which includes licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, and social workers, all of whom must hold a master's degree or higher and a terminal license in their profession. The bill clarifies that PTSD can be recognized as a compensable occupational disease if diagnosed by a licensed mental health provider due to exposure to traumatic events in the course of employment, provided the employer has elected to offer such coverage.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that benefits for PTSD claims are contingent upon the employer's election to provide coverage and that claims must be filed within three years of diagnosis. It also requires employers to report PTSD claims data to the Offices of the Insurance Commissioner and mandates annual reporting on these claims to the Joint Committee on Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services. The amendments made in this bill are set to expire on July 1, 2026, unless extended by the Legislature, but the timeline for these amendments will not affect the changes made in the 2025 regular session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-4-1f