Province improves support for people with PTSD

Emergency responders and other frontline workers can access PTSD benefits more easily

Emergency responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder will soon be able to access workers’ compensation benefits more easily.

The new support kicks in Oct. 26, after changes to the Workers’ Compensation Act introduced last year mean those in frontline and emergency response positions no longer have to prove a diagnosis of PTSD is work-related.

“We all value the work so many Nova Scotians do to keep this province safe, and to care for us when we need it most. Sometimes they need help, too,” said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Labi Kousoulis. “Making benefits more accessible is an important step in supporting those who have dedicated their lives to making ours safer and better.”

Those eligible for benefits include police officers, paid and volunteer firefighters, paramedics, nurses, correctional officers ( including youth workers in a correctional facility), continuing care assistants, emergency- response dispatchers and sheriffs covered by the board.

The updated regulations clarify who is eligible for assistance and who can diagnose PTSD. Occupational stress due to traumatic events, including PTSD, has always been covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act for all workers. For the purposes of a claim, PTSD must be diagnosed by a psychiatrist or registered psychologist.

The Workers’ Compensation Board has established a team of case workers to assist those with psychological workplace injuries, including PTSD. Those case workers will receive ongoing education from mental health clinicians. The board will also develop an evidence-based PTSD prevention program in collaboration with first responders.

“Frontline and emergency responders are the very people you need by your side in a time of crisis, and I’m pleased to see government take this important step on their behalf,” said Jason Maclean, president of Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union in the same release.

“I look forward to working with government to ensure more workers have access to this new benefit.”

Eligible workers with a PTSD diagnosis received on or after Oct. 26, 2013, even if they were denied benefits in the past, can refile a claim.

To start the claim process, or for more information on how to file a claim, call 1-800-870-3331. For more information on the regulations, visit www.novascotia.ca/ presumptive-ptsd.