North Dakota Workers Comp Proposal Shot Down

A proposal allowing for workers compensation insurance coverage to be given to emergency workers for mental stress has gone down to defeat in the North Dakota House.

According to the Associated Press, North Dakotas workers comp law typically doesn't cover a work incident that causes mental trauma ; unless the affected individual also is dealing with a physical injury.(WCxKit)

Fargo Rep. Ron Guggisberg stated the insurance should cover stress counseling for law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical workers.

Bismarck Rep. George Keiser claimed North Dakota workers comp insurance shouldn't offer mental stress treatment benefits only to a select few workers.

Representatives voted 63-29 on Feb. 7 to turn down the insurance proposal.

The Senate has already given its approval to a resolution to study the issue of providing workers comp benefits for mental stress injuries.

Author Rebecca Shafer, JD, President of Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. is a national expert in the field of workers compensation. She is a writer, speaker and website publisher. Her expertise is working with employers to reduce workers compensation costs, and her clients include airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: [email protected]

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