Ohio Senate panel holds off on police PTSD compensation bill
COLUMBUS (AP) — Emergency responders with post-traumatic stress disorder could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits even if they don’t have physical injuries under legislation getting continued consideration by an Ohio Senate panel.
The bill would apply to police, peace officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians with PTSD arising from work. Current law doesn’t allow for compensation for a psychiatric condition unless the worker with PTSD has a related physical injury or was forced into sexual conduct.
The Senate Finance Committee held off acting on the bill today. Committee chairman Scott Oelslager says he wants to hold interested party meetings to resolve outstanding issues with the measure.
Similar efforts elsewhere have drawn criticism from police chiefs and local leaders worried about the costs and potential frivolous claims.