Acknowledging Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as Work Related Injury

Police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians who experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while on duty would be able to file a workers compensation claim under a provision adopted by the Senate Monday, May 1. Sponsored by Senator Dan Schoen, DFL-Cottage Grove, the proposal was added as an amendment to a workers compensation housekeeping bill, and both provisions were approved by the full Senate.

"This is not an easy diagnosis to obtain...they have to exhaust their benefits after getting a diagnosis and try to fight for help," said Schoen. During the floor debate, Schoen relayed a personal traumatic experience as a paramedic when called to a fatal accident. He further argued that his proposal would not add a cost burden to the state.

Senator Scott Jensen, R-Chaska, also spoke in support of the measure. "This reminds me very much of making the diagnosis of PTSD in Vietnam Veterans in the 1980s. They have been told over and over again that Agent Orange didn't do this and didn't do that, and finally the Veterans, the VA, Hospital came forth with elucidating information...PTSD is a serious thing that it literally implodes a life."

The housekeeping bill, SF 1293, including Senator Schoen's amendment, was sent to the House.