The purpose of the legislation is to require reporting and examination of the frequency of PTSD claims, and identify what specific training could be implemented to better recognize symptoms and make workers aware of training materials available. (Credit: Chanintorn.v/Shutterstock)
Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed legislation into law last week that allows investigation and sanctions for the misclassification of workers and requires the development of a new group committed to studying workers' compensation claims for mental conditions that state workers file.
SB 108 modifies the law that is currently in place by allowing the attorney general to investigate complaints of employers willfully, substantially, or systematically failing to classify employees correctly, and may sanction employers for misclassification.
The bill also requires some state agencies to collaborate on a written report to be submitted to the legislature on workers' compensation claims that are submitted by state employees relating to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental conditions. The report shall be submitted on or before January 15, 2021. The purpose of the legislation is to require reporting and examination of the frequency of PTSD claims, and identify what specific training could be implemented to better recognize symptoms and make workers aware of training materials available.
Furthermore, the law includes a provision that would require the Commissioner of Labor to provide education for workers and employers about the ability of an injured worker to receive compensation for the cost of medication, and to also make that information available to all Vermont licensed health care professionals and pharmacists. The Commissioner of Labor has through October 15, 2020, to distribute this information.
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