This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to expand the definition of who qualifies as a "licensed mental health provider" authorized to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for first responders under workers' compensation. The new definition includes licensed psychiatrists, licensed psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, and licensed social workers, provided they hold a master's degree or higher, possess a terminal license in their profession, and are qualified to treat PTSD. The bill also clarifies that PTSD can be recognized as a compensable occupational disease for first responders if the employer elects to provide coverage and a licensed mental health provider diagnoses the condition due to work-related exposure.

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 mandates that employers offering coverage report PTSD claims data to the Offices of the Insurance Commissioner, and these offices are required to report annually on such 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