Bill would provide comp coverage for 9-1-1 specialists

A bill was introduced in the Maryland Senate on Friday that seeks to extend workers compensation coverage to 9-1-1 specialists for mental injury claims.

S.B. 374 provides that a 9-1-1 specialist who is diagnosed by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist with post-traumatic stress disorder is presumed to have an occupational disease that was suffered in the line of duty or course of employment and is compensable under the workers compensation law.

The ‘slightly’ partisan bill is now pending in the Senate Finance Committee.