Rep. Mark Lepak has introduced House Bill 1842, aimed at expanding workers’ compensation coverage for mental health injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suffered by law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians in Oklahoma. The bill seeks to amend Section 13 of the Workers’ Compensation Code to strengthen protections for these first responders.
Currently, PTSD is a recognized injury for first responders in Oklahoma, but this new bill adds additional administrative procedures and safety oversight. By including clear language on mental health injuries in the Workers’ Compensation Code, the bill aims to ensure that first responders receive the necessary support and resources to cope with the mental toll of their jobs.
Rep. Lepak, the sponsor of the bill, believes that it is crucial to address the mental health needs of first responders who face traumatic experiences in the line of duty. By expanding workers’ compensation coverage to include mental health injuries, the bill seeks to acknowledge the unique challenges that law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians face and provide them with the assistance they need.
The proposed amendment aims to provide a more comprehensive framework for handling mental health injuries among first responders and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing their well-being. As the bill moves through the legislative process, supporters hope that it will ultimately lead to improved mental health support for Oklahoma’s first responders.
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