Missouri bill would create presumption for mental injuries

Missouri lawmakers introduced legislation Wednesday that would presume that diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder by first responders was acquired on the job.

H.B. 559 would presume that mental impairments that had not been previously diagnosed in first responders employed on active duty are an occupational disease that arose out of and in the course of employment. The presumption would be rebuttable.

Mental impairments resulting from disciplinary action, work evaluation, job transfer, layoff, demotion, promotion, termination, retirement, or similar action taken in good faith by the employer will not be considered an occupational disease.

A nearly identical bill, H.B. 484, was also filed Wednesday.