OK HB1578

Mental injuries or illnesses remain non-compensable unless caused by a physical injury, except for victims of crimes of violence or natural disasters/catastrophic events occurring on or after November 1, 2015.

All mental injury or illness claims require diagnosis by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist and must meet criteria in the most current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Employees with mental injury or illness claims are limited to 26 weeks of disability benefits, with extension to a maximum of 52 weeks only upon clear and convincing evidence.

Death directly resulting from the mental injury or illness within one year qualifies for dependent compensation; death occurring one year or more after the incident is not compensable.

The act becomes effective November 1, 2015.