Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Emergency responders with post-traumatic stress disorder could be eligible for workers' compensation benefits regardless of whether they have suffered any physical injuries under legislation passed by an Ohio Senate panel.
The bill would apply to police, peace officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians with PTSD arising from work. Current law does not allow for compensation for a psychiatric condition unless the worker with PTSD has a related physical injury or was forced into sexual conduct.
The Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved the bill Tuesday afternoon.
Similar efforts elsewhere have drawn criticism from police chiefs and local leaders worried about the costs and potential frivolous claims.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.