Kentucky considers expanding workers’ compensation coverage for psychological injuries

A bill introduced this week in the Kentucky General Assembly would expand workers’ compensation protections for first responders by allowing certain psychological injuries to qualify for coverage, even in the absence of a physical injury.

The proposal would expand that definition to include police officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, certain “front-line staff” and members of the Kentucky National Guard on state active duty.

Growing focus on mental health and workplace injury

Workers’ compensation systems have historically distinguished between physical and psychological injuries, often applying stricter standards to mental health claims without a physical component.

In recent years, lawmakers in several states have revisited those standards, particularly for occupations where exposure to traumatic events is inherent. The Kentucky proposal reflects broader reassessment of how mental health conditions are treated within workers’ compensation statutes.

Next steps in the legislative process

The bill will move through the legislative process, where lawmakers may debate eligibility criteria, evidentiary standards, and how claims would be evaluated under existing workers’ compensation systems.

Any amendments or clarifications will emerge as the proposal in advances through committee review and legislative consideration.

Considerations for PEOs and insured employers

While the bill applies specifically to first responders, it highlights how workers’ compensation coverage definitions can evolve through legislative action. For PEOs and insured employers, changes like this underscore the importance of monitoring state-level developments that may affect benefit eligibility, claims handling and coverage expectations.

As discussions around mental health and workplace injury continue, similar proposals may surface in other jurisdictions or industries.

Source: Kentucky to consider comp coverage of psych injuries for first responders - Business Insurance