St. Paul, MN - Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed House File 2988, authored by State Representative Dan Wolgamott (DFL - St. Cloud), which provides recommendations for the state’s Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council. The legislation passed with unanimous support.
An annual bill, this version contains an increase in benefit amounts, as well as a study on ways to improve outcomes for workers with PTSD.
This bill is the culmination of stakeholders coming together to ensure we have the backs of Minnesota’s workers,” said Rep. Wolgamott. “By supporting workers who sustain an injury or experience PTSD, we’re strengthening Minnesota’s workforce and economy.”
The legislation increases compensation for workers who experience a permanent partial disability. Current statute contains a schedule with dollar amounts associated with impairment rating. For example, 25% impairment entitles a worker to receive $99,800. HF 2988 bumps up these PPD payments by about $20,000 to $40,000. Under the bill, 25% PPD impairment now results in a $139,720 payment to the worker.
Another notable provision in the bill calls on the Department of Labor and Industry to conduct a study to identify changes to improve the experience and outcomes for workers with work-related PTSD. Among other things, this study must identify best practices for prevention, identification, and treatment of PTSD. The bill appropriates $500,000 from the Workers’ Comp Fund for this study.
Additional information on the bill can be found here. Video of today’s House Floor debate can be found here.
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