Maryland lawmakers consider COVID-19 presumption

Lawmakers in Maryland are considering a workers compensation presumption for first responders, public safety employees and health care workers who have suffered a COVID-19 infection dating back to the beginning of the pandemic.

S.B. 10, to be read Jan. 12, states the occupational disease presumption would apply on or after March 1, 2020, if “the individual tested positive for or was diagnosed with COVID–19 within 14 days after a day that the individual performed labor or services at the individual’s primary workplace or another assigned workplace that is not the individual’s home at the employer’s direction.”

The presumption would be rebuttable given “substantial evidence to the contrary that demonstrates that the individual tested positive for or was diagnosed with COVID–19 for reasons not arising out of and in the course of employment.”

The presumption would expire July 31, 2023.