The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is planning to re-introduce legislation that could authorize psychologists to be attending providers in workers compensation claims. The Legislature already authorized claims for post-traumatic stress syndrome for first responder. L&I’s intent is to increase access to mental health care under those circumstances, however WR fears the bill could be broadened to include all workers or risk classes.

WR will work to ensure that new authority for psychologists is limited to mental health care for first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. We have already met with LNI and key employer stakeholders to build a coalition to deploy our legislative strategy.