CT SB00056

Expands workers' compensation coverage for mental or emotional impairment to include employees who visually witness the death or maiming of one or more human beings caused intentionally by another person, when diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist and causally connected to employment.

Defines "maiming" as the loss of any member or organ and "immediate aftermath" as the scene where death or maiming occurred for up to six hours after law enforcement secures it.

Maintains existing exclusions for mental or emotional impairment resulting from voluntary participation in social or recreational activities and personnel actions such as transfers, promotions, demotions, or terminations.

Applies to police officers witnessing deadly force in the line of duty and firefighters diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder from witnessing a fellow firefighter's death during duty, in addition to the newly expanded employee category.

Takes effect October 1, 2014 for the definition amendments and immediately upon passage for the repeal of section 31-294h.