Connecticut Bill to Apply Worker’s Comp to Mental Trauma

A legislative committee is considering a bill that would require Connecticut’s worker’s compensation system to cover the treatment costs for mental illnesses stemming from certain workplace traumas.

Sen. Cathy Osten, the Democratic co-chairman of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, said the bill would apply to any worker who is subjected to the maiming or death of someone involved in their work, such as a fast food worker who watches a customer or co-worker get killed. It would also apply to first responders.

The bill, scheduled for a committee vote Thursday, would apply to future cases. That means it would not affect the first responders to the Newtown school shooting who are seeking coverage for post-traumatic stress. Osten said legislative leaders are considering addressing the Newtown situation in another bill.