CT HB05533

Expands workers' compensation coverage for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to state and municipal employees who visually witness a traumatic event in person or its immediate aftermath while on duty, effective October 1, 2014.

Defines "traumatic event" as an extraordinary occurrence involving death or serious bodily injury caused by intentional human action (not natural causes or vehicle collisions) occurring on or after December 14, 2012, and "immediate aftermath" as the scene within six hours after law enforcement secures it.

Requires qualified psychiatrists or psychologists (board-certified and licensed in Connecticut) to diagnose the PTSD and determine it originated from the witnessed traumatic event causally connected to employment.

Establishes that state and municipal employees with PTSD under this provision must receive treatment only from psychologists or psychiatrists on the Workers' Compensation Commission's approved physician list.

Maintains existing PTSD protections for police officers (arising from use or subjection to deadly force in duty) and firefighters (witnessing another firefighter's death on duty).