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Bill would create a clearer duty standard for PTSD disability claims; PERS raises timing and capacity concerns
Summary
Senate Bill 588 would make a PTSD diagnosis more clearly eligible for a duty disability designation for police officers and firefighters under PERS and would set timing expectations for contested‑case hearings; PERS said the duty standard is administrable but the 90‑day hearing requirement is not fully within its control.
The Senate Committee on Labor and Business held a public hearing Feb. 4 on Senate Bill 588, which would specify circumstances under which post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed in police officers and firefighters is treated as an on‑duty disability for PERS purposes and would declare an emergency effective on passage.
Brian Stewart of Clackamas Fire District No. 1, speaking for the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, urged support for the bill, telling the committee first responders routinely experience traumatic events and that the current process to establish work‑related disability places heavy administrative and financial burdens on affected members and families. "We ask for your support in Senate Bill 5 88," Stewart said.
PERS leade…
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