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Bill

SB 6293

Establishing a pilot program for posttraumatic stress disorder treatment and research.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Conway and 3 co-sponsors

Implements a pilot program within workers’ compensation to diagnose and treat PTSD early for high-risk workers, with predefined care access, funding, and evaluation rules.

First reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.
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Bill Summary · SB 6293

Overview

Senate Bill 6293 (2025-2026, Washington) proposes establishing a pilot program to improve diagnosis, treatment, and research related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among workers in high-risk occupations. The bill adds a new section to chapter 51.36 RCW and makes conforming amendments to several existing workers’ compensation provisions. It envisions collaboration among the Department of Labor & Industries (Department), self-insured employers, providers, and advisory committees to expand access to evidence-based PTSD care and to evaluate the program’s effectiveness.

Main purpose and intent

  • Create a targeted PTSD pilot program for workers exposed to trauma in high-risk jobs with the aim of improving recovery outcomes and sustaining work.
  • Expand access to evidence-based PTSD diagnosis and treatment prior to formal claim adjudication where appropriate.
  • Foster partnerships with PTSD-specialized providers and organizations to test innovative care models within the workers’ compensation system.
  • Collect data and assess whether the pilot should be expanded or made permanent, with legislative recommendations due by July 1, 2030.

Key provisions and changes

  • New PTSD pilot program (Section 5):
    • Design and implement a department-led pilot to expand access to PTSD care as an occupational disease.
    • Treatment prior to claim adjudication:
    • Access to PTSD evaluation/diagnosis and up to 11 treatment sessions within 90 days of diagnosis, with costs shared between risk classes (state fund) or paid by the self-insurer if claims are rejected.
    • Treatment before adjudication does not bind the department or self-insurer to any obligation if the eventual claim is denied.
    • Agreements with PTSD-expert health care organizations/providers that meet department-approved qualifications.
    • Potential for up to six additional PTSD treatment sessions within one year of claim closure, if necessary to maintain functioning.
    • Administrative flexibilities to reduce barriers for participants and providers.
  • Provider network and centers for occupational health (existing framework refined in Sections 2 and 3):
    • Maintains a network of providers meeting minimum standards, with an advisory group and tiered participation (including a second tier beyond centers for occupational health and education) and performance-based incentives.
    • Providers’ credentialing, malpractice, and oversight criteria, contract renewal mechanics, and removal/remediation processes.
    • Centers for occupational health and education to promote best practices, expand access, and monitor quality using electronic quality measures and feedback loops.
    • Reporting requirements to track implementation, access, outcomes, disputes, and needed improvements (annual/periodic reports through 2016; ongoing reporting for the pilot period and expansion considerations).
  • Financial and administrative flexibility:
    • Clarifies that costs for pre-adjudication PTSD treatment in state fund claims are allocated across risk classes with some exceptions; pre-adjudication treatment does not set a binding determination.
    • Allows modification of administrative requirements to ease participation in the pilot.
  • Timelines and sunset:
    • Major provisions take effect July 1, 2026.
    • The act includes sunset and reporting timelines, with key evaluation due by July 1, 2030 and the pilot expiring December 31, 2030 (subject to legislative review).

Affected parties

  • Injured workers in high-trauma occupations eligible for state fund or self-insured workers’ compensation benefits.
  • Providers and health care organizations that treat injured workers, particularly those with PTSD expertise.
  • Employers (state fund and self-insured) participating in the workers’ compensation system.
  • State, via the Department of Labor & Industries, and advisory committees overseeing implementation and network standards.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Referred to the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee; initial readings in January 2026.
  • The pilot program is designed to run through 2030 with ongoing evaluation and potential expansion advisories.
  • Required rulemaking by the Department to implement network standards, treatment protocols, and administrative processes.
  • Biennial/annual reporting on implementation, outcomes, access, disputes, and recommended policy changes.

This bill seeks to test a structured approach to PTSD care within workers’ compensation, balancing early access to treatment with cost and quality controls, and building the evidence base for broader adoption.

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

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