CA SB893

Creates rebuttable presumption that infectious diseases (including COVID-19, tuberculosis, meningitis, and MRSA), musculoskeletal injuries, and respiratory diseases that develop during employment of hospital employees providing direct patient care in acute care hospitals arose out of and in the course of employment.

Extends presumptions for infectious diseases and musculoskeletal injuries for three calendar months per year of employment (maximum 60 months) after termination, except MRSA which extends for 90 days.

Extends respiratory disease presumption for three calendar months per year of employment (maximum 120 months) after termination.

Ensures affected hospital employees receive full hospital, surgical, medical treatment, disability indemnity, and death benefits under workers' compensation law.

Provides findings that hospital workers, predominantly women, face significantly higher exposure to infectious diseases and musculoskeletal injuries compared to other workers and deserve equivalent protections to first responders and firefighters.