WyomingDispatchers could seek workers' compensation for work-related mental injuries
If enacted, starting July 1, 2027, covered dispatchers could seek workers' compensation for work-related mental injuries diagnosed by qualified health care providers.
What it does
Dispatchers and government public safety call center workers would count as first responders for mental injury claims. Claims would need strong proof, and injuries caused by employer actions such as discipline or firing would be excluded.
A first responder's mental injury diagnosis could come from a licensed psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, or another provider qualified to make mental health diagnoses.
Argument forIncluding dispatchers could help emergency call workers seek compensation when their jobs cause a qualifying mental injury.
Argument againstAccepting diagnoses from several kinds of providers may require claim reviewers to check whether each provider is qualified to make the diagnosis.
More detail
Covered dispatchers would count as first responders when seeking workers' compensation for a mental injury. This covers full- or part-time dispatchers for state or local law enforcement, fire, or licensed ambulance services, plus employees of government public safety call centers. A claim needs clear and convincing proof, including a diagnosis that meets recognized mental health criteria. Injuries directly caused by discipline, evaluations, transfers, layoffs, demotions, firing, or similar employer actions do not qualify. Disability benefits for a covered mental injury cannot extend more than 36 months after diagnosis. The proposed act would take effect July 1, 2027.
Qualified health care providers could make the diagnosis used to support a first responder's mental injury claim. This applies to work-related mental injury claims by first responders, including the dispatchers covered by this proposal. Other health care providers must be qualified to diagnose mental health conditions within their professional role. The diagnosis must meet the criteria in the current edition of the psychiatric diagnostic manual. The proposed act would take effect July 1, 2027.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
No actions on record yet. Even bills need a warm-up.
HealthcareMental HealthEconomy & Jobs