Wisconsin lawmakers to consider expanding PTSD law

Lawmakers in Wisconsin are considering a bill that would expand the list of first responders that are eligible for workers compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Under current law for firefighters and “law enforcement officers” diagnosed with PTSD, the diagnosis “does not need to be based on unusual stress of greater dimensions than the day-to-day emotional strain and tension experienced by similarly situated employees.”

S.B. 168, introduced Thursday, would expand the list of eligible professionals to include emergency medical responders, emergency medical services practitioners, volunteer firefighters, correctional officers, emergency dispatchers, coroners and coroner staff members, and medical examiners and medical examiner staff members.