CA AB196

Defines "injury" to include COVID-19 that develops or manifests during employment for essential critical infrastructure workers exempt from stay-at-home orders, effective for injuries occurring on or after March 1, 2020.

Creates a disputable presumption that COVID-19 injuries arose out of and in the course of employment, extendable for 90 days following termination of service from the last date worked.

Excludes firefighters, peace officers, acute care hospital healthcare employees, and emergency services coordinators from coverage under this section.

Requires COVID-19 diagnosis by a licensed physician, with confirmation by serological testing within 30 days, and positive test or diagnosis within 14 days of working at the employer's direction.

Shortens the investigatory period for claim denial from 90 days to 30 days, with presumed compensability if liability is not rejected within 30 days of filing.