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Bill

SB 5043

Concerning industrial insurance coverage for posttraumatic stress disorders affecting correctional facility workers.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jess Bateman and 23 co-sponsors

Expands Washington workers' comp to cover PTSD for correctional workers as occupational injury, providing medical benefits and wage replacement for stress-related mental health conditions.

Referred to Ways & Means.
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Bill Summary · SB 5043

Legislative bill overview

SB 5043 would expand Washington's industrial insurance (workers' compensation) system to cover post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for correctional facility workers as an occupational injury. Currently, Washington's workers' compensation system has limited coverage for mental health conditions without physical injury. This bill would recognize PTSD as a compensable condition for this specific worker population.

Why is this important

Correctional workers face repeated exposure to violence, threats, and traumatic incidents that research links to PTSD development. Expanding coverage would provide medical treatment and wage replacement benefits to affected workers, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs and improving access to mental health care. This also reflects a broader shift in occupational safety policy recognizing psychological injuries alongside physical ones.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Expanding workers' compensation coverage increases insurance costs for employers and potentially state budgets, which may affect DOC operational expenses or premium rates
  • Scope and precedent: Defining which worker populations qualify for mental health coverage could invite requests from other high-stress professions (police, firefighters, social workers), expanding program costs significantly
  • Causation standards: Determining whether PTSD is work-related versus pre-existing or from non-occupational causes presents adjudication challenges and potential disputes over eligibility

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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