Work group debates PTSD treatment process, PAR role and workers' comp overlap

A substantial portion of the work group meeting focused on how treatment, workers' compensation and pension disability processes interact for psychological injuries such as PTSD. Members and PAR staff shared that the statute mandates a psychological‑condition treatment requirement and that salary and benefits continuation begins when PAR receives the treatment application.

Amy (PAR staff) clarified operational practice: "We don't deny" treatment applications under the current statutory language, and monthly reporting requirements exist but there is currently no penalty if monthly treatment reports are not provided to PAR. Members said those process gaps—low initial acceptance rates in workers' compensation, limited employer visibility of treatment progress, and inconsistent navigation to appropriate care—appear to be driving many injured employees toward pension disability applications and attorney involvement.

The group debated alternatives: (1) strengthen early intervention and coordinated treatment pathways (examples discussed include university‑based evaluations or resident treatment centers); (2) revise statutory ordering so workers' compensation and employer‑led return‑to‑work efforts run earlier and more systematically before pension disability applications; (3) consider a separate compensation fund or clearer jurisdictional rules for PTSD claims. Subcommittee and staff tasks were assigned to refine the process flow, incorporate best‑practice treatment providers, and assess whether statutory amendments or administrative fixes are required.