WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 289

Workers Compensation - As enacted, creates a presumption that the diagnosis of a law enforcement officer or emergency medical responder with post-traumatic stress disorder as the result of responding to certain incidents was incurred in the line of duty for purposes of workers' compensation coverage. - Amends TCA Title 7, Chapter 51 and Title 50, Chapter 6.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Bailey

Tennessee law presumes PTSD in cops and EMTs is work-caused, automatically qualifying them for workers' compensation without proving job connection.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 480
#workerscompensation
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 289

Legislative bill overview

SB 289 establishes a legal presumption that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed in law enforcement officers and emergency medical responders is work-related when it results from responding to specific incidents. This means these workers no longer need to prove their PTSD arose from job duties—the law assumes it did, shifting the burden to employers to challenge the claim.

Why is this important

Mental health conditions like PTSD are common among first responders but historically difficult to claim as work injuries because psychological injuries are harder to attribute directly to employment than physical injuries. This bill removes evidentiary barriers that previously denied benefits to officers and EMTs with diagnosed PTSD, potentially improving access to treatment and financial support for a vulnerable occupational group.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Expanding presumptive coverage increases workers' compensation insurance premiums for municipalities and emergency services, potentially straining already tight budgets for smaller departments
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill references "certain incidents" without fully defining which specific calls or exposures qualify, potentially creating litigation over case-by-case eligibility determinations
  • Fraud concerns: Presumptions can theoretically enable false claims, though psychological evaluation still occurs; critics worry about abuse while advocates note PTSD is documented and diagnosable

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

Sign in to ask a question.