Committee hears L&I plan for PTSD treatment pilot to provide early care before adjudication

The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee reviewed substitute House Bill 2405 on Feb. 25, which would create a three‑year pilot program allowing the Department of Labor & Industries to provide early PTSD diagnosis and treatment sessions to workers filing occupational disease claims for PTSD.

Staff described program parameters: an initial clinical diagnostic interview and up to 11 treatment sessions within 90 days of filing, with an additional 12 sessions if the claim remains undecided after 90 days, and up to six sessions within one year after claim closure when necessary to maintain functioning. The pilot is to be designed in consultation with L&I advisory committees, and self‑insurers may opt to participate.

Tammy Felon of the Department of Labor & Industries testified in support, saying the goal is "to invest additional behavioral health treatment in these workers" and to reduce long‑term disability and pension outcomes that she described as worse life outcomes for workers. Staff referenced a fiscal note estimating up to $1.2 million in new claim costs during the pilot but projected longer‑term savings between $14.7 million and $30 million by preventing long‑term disability.

Felon said the pilot would include workers eligible for an occupational disease claim — notably firefighters, law‑enforcement officers, 911 operators and nurses — and would report back to the legislature with recommendations by set statutory deadlines. Committee members asked about participant selection and advisory‑committee involvement; L&I said the department will work with advisory groups and expects to report recommendations during the pilot timeline.

The committee closed public comment and moved other business forward. Supporters described the pilot as targeted, evidence‑oriented early‑intervention to improve worker outcomes.